LAS VEGAS — Republican presidential candidates delivered speeches at the annual Republican Jewish Coalition’s summit in Las Vegas, emphasizing their unwavering support for Israel. The candidates also aimed to gain support from former President Donald Trump, who faced criticism for his remarks about Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group.
“America needs a leader who can steady the ship and help Republicans secure victory. We need a candidate who can actually win,” remarked former U.N. Ambassador , directly criticizing Trump. According to a poll by the Jewish Electoral Institute, Orthodox Jews have shown strong support for Trump.
Haley added, “I will not criticize Israel’s prime minister in the middle of a tragedy and war,” as Israel intensified its ground offensive in Gaza. Netanyahu warned of a prolonged and challenging war following Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7. Palestinian health officials reported over 7,000 deaths, including women and children, in Gaza, while in Israel, about 1,400 people have died.
The summit of Jewish conservatives featured speeches from various 2024 contenders. expressed support for Israel’s dismissal of the “myth” of a two-state solution, Florida Gov. referred to the West Bank as “the most ancient Jewish land going back to biblical times,” and Sen. Tim Scott of Florida reiterated his calls to deport foreign students participating in “antisemitic” protests on college campuses.
Despite the efforts of Haley and her competitors, former Vice President Mike Pence overshadowed the event with his unexpected announcement that he was suspending his campaign for president.
“The Bible tells us that there’s a time for every purpose under heaven. Traveling across the country over the past six months, I came here to say it’s become clear to me: This is not my time,” Pence stated.
