Netanyahu wins US backing, but not from Vance
Division within the US Republican Party is striking as Israel heads to the polls next week.
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US Vice-President JD Vance is refusing to publicly support Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel’s elections on 27 October. That comes shortly after President Donald Trump did voice his support for the Israeli prime minister.
Vance said in an interview that he is focusing on American candidates and does not want to interfere in the Israeli elections. In doing so, he is distancing himself from an explicit endorsement of Netanyahu, while President Trump on Sunday expressed his support for the prime minister.
The timing is politically sensitive. Israel will elect a new parliament on 27 October. Voters cast ballots for parties; those parties then try to form a coalition that controls at least 61 of the Knesset’s 120 seats. A party must win 3.25 per cent of the vote to gain seats.
The election is seen as a referendum on Netanyahu’s handling of the 7 October 2023 attack and the wars that followed. His opponents argue that he has evaded political responsibility for security failures. Netanyahu, by contrast, emphasises his experience and security policy.
According to AP, his main challenger is the new centrist party Yashar!, led by former army chief Gadi Eisenkot. The party emphasises military service for all sections of the population, the cost of living, education and a state commission of inquiry into the events surrounding 7 October.
Trump’s American support could help Netanyahu among voters who value the relationship with Washington. At the same time, Vance’s reluctance could raise questions about unity within the US administration. It is unclear whether that stance is intended as personal restraint or as a signal about its future direction.
The result need not immediately produce a new government. Because of the coalition system, smaller parties can become decisive and government formation can take a long time. For the Netherlands and Europe, the election matters because of its implications for the war in Gaza, regional security and relations between Israel, the United States and European countries.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Trump expressed support for Netanyahu.
- Vance refused to support Netanyahu and said he was focusing on American candidates.
- Israel is holding parliamentary elections on 27 October.
- Gadi Eisenkot leads the centrist party Yashar!.
Left
Arguments The election should also be assessed in terms of responsibility for security failures, civil rights and the consequences of Israel’s military policy.
Values The rule of law, human rights and democratic accountability.
Consequences A continuation of Netanyahu’s course could increase regional tensions and widen the gap with European governments.
Centre
Arguments Israeli voters must weigh both security and governmental responsibility; coalition politics will probably require compromise.
Values Institutional continuity, security and governability.
Consequences A broad coalition could provide stability, but could also lead to lengthy negotiations and diluted policies.
Right
Arguments From this perspective, Netanyahu’s experience and tough security policy are necessary in the face of armed opponents and regional threats.
Values National security, deterrence and political continuity.
Consequences A change of prime minister could, from this perspective, create uncertainty in a vulnerable security environment.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The core claims come from two recent AP publications. Analytical passages about possible political consequences are clearly framed as uncertainty and context.
Editor's note
Trump and Vance’s statements and the election date have been confirmed. The consequences for the result or coalition formation are uncertain and are not presented as a prediction.Sources
- JD Vance declines to endorse Netanyahu for reelection — Associated Press
- A look at the key parties in Israel’s Oct. 27 election — Associated Press
More on this in Dutch media
- RTL Nieuws — „israël netanyahu”
- NOS — „israël netanyahu”
- Het Parool — „israël netanyahu”