Trump backs Netanyahu, Vance stays neutral

US President Donald Trump has endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming Knesset election, while Vice President JD Vance has said he will remain neutral.

In an interview with US journalist Mark Halperin aboard Air Force Two on Monday, Vance said he was neither for nor against Netanyahu and would not take sides in the Israeli election.

Vance said his focus was on the upcoming US congressional midterm elections, adding that he supports American candidates.

Israel’s Knesset election is scheduled for October 27. Netanyahu, leader of the ruling Likud Party, is seeking another term.

On Sunday, Trump praised Netanyahu for standing with the US as an ally in its war against Iran and expressed his “full and complete support” for the Israeli leader in a post on his Truth Social platform.

Earlier this month, Trump told Time magazine that he was no longer involved in Israeli politics.

-AJM