Tensions Rise Over U.S. Aid to Israel in First GOP 2024 Presidential Debate

Ramaswamy was specific about how he envisages a relationship with Israel. He pledged to strengthen the Abraham Accords, the 2020 normalization agreements between Israel and some Arab states, and vowed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. In contrast, Haley argued that the U.S. benefits from its aid to Israel, stating, “It’s not that Israel needs America. America needs Israel.”

While Ramaswamy’s stance diverges from the mainstream Republican position of continued military funding for Israel, Haley is more aligned with party norms, having consistently defended Israel during her tenure as a U.N. Ambassador. Both candidates have unique relationships with the Israeli issue—Haley through her diplomatic experience and Ramaswamy through his visits to Israel and ties with a Jewish society at Yale University.

Other Candidates Reluctant to Weigh In

Although the topic was a flashpoint between Haley and Ramaswamy, other candidates on the stage chose not to engage in the discussion. However, it was noted that former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson wore a dual U.S.-Israel flag pin, signaling his stance on the issue.

Controversy Over Ukraine and “Pope Zelensky”

In another heated foreign policy exchange, Ramaswamy criticized the loyalty of his opponents to Ukraine’s Jewish President Volodomyr Zelensky, claiming, without substantiating evidence, that Zelensky has endangered Ukraine’s Jewish population. This view was promptly countered by former Vice President Mike Pence and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who advocated for increased U.S. aid to Ukraine as a counter to Russian aggression.

DeSantis Focuses on Domestic Policy

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, another candidate in the debate, shifted the focus to domestic issues, blaming rising crime on district attorneys funded by philanthropist George Soros. He also claimed that he removed such prosecutors in Florida who were not fulfilling their responsibilities. DeSantis is currently trailing in the polls but maintains a strong base of support.

Reference to “Judeo-Christian Values”

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott was the only candidate to mention “Judeo-Christian values,” stating that the United States was founded on these principles. He made the comment in response to a question from the moderator about the decline in faith in the country.

The Significance of the Debate

The first debate in the GOP primary brought increased visibility to topics that have been traditionally sensitive, like U.S. aid to Israel, showing that candidates are willing to deviate from party norms to articulate their unique stances. With the absence of former President Donald Trump, who opted for a taped interview elsewhere, the candidates had an opportunity to delineate their policy positions as they vie for the Republican nomination.