Ramaswamy backtracks on security aid to Israel, says would not cut if elected
Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy backtracked on previous comments about cutting U.S. security aid to Israel.
“The reality is that the aid we give Israel is a small drop in the basket of the American defense budget. But part of the benefit goes through the industrial base [of the US] because a lot of the work is done in the United States of America,” the rising GOP candidate said during an interview with Israel Hayom.
“In fact, it is not only in Israel's interest but in our national interest to build our industrial base. The more we do this, the more we will actually strengthen the industrial base of the United States. This is good for America and good for Israel,” Ramaswamy said.
He added that he would not cut defense aid to Israel unless Israel asked Washington to do so.
During the first GOP presidential debate, Ramaswamy advocated cutting U.S. defense aid to Israel after negotiating “Abraham Accords 2.0,” which he said would be better than U.S. aid.
Ramaswamy’s comments were immediately criticized by many other Republican candidates and pro-Israel advocates.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
