New Delhi, Oct. 20 -- US Vice President JD Vance has declined to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for re-election, distancing himself from President Donald Trump's recent public backing of the Israeli leader just days before Israel's election.

The comments come as Netanyahu warns that Israel could face a potentially "hostile" US president after Trump leaves office, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the country's longer-term relationship with Washington.

In an interview with journalist Mark Halperin aboard Air Force Two on Monday, Vance said he would not intervene in Israeli electoral politics, despite Trump's endorsement of Netanyahu over the weekend.

"I endorse American candidates, and that's where I'm focused ...