Republican Jewish group opposes Ramaswamy’s stance on Israel aid.

‘Such ‍a move would very decidedly not ⁤be in America’s best interest,’ Republican Jewish Coalition says

Republican Jewish Leaders⁢ Push Back on ‍Proposal to Cut⁢ Off Military Aid to Israel

Republican Jewish leaders are voicing their opposition to Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s proposal to ‍end military aid to Israel within ‍five years. They argue that “such a ⁢move would very decidedly not be in America’s best interest.”

Matthew Brooks, the CEO of the ⁣Republican Jewish Coalition, expressed​ his support ⁤for Ramaswamy as a​ “strong and passionate‍ supporter of Israel” in ⁤a letter on Monday. However, he urged Ramaswamy to reconsider his stance on​ U.S. military aid to Israel.

“Considering your overall ⁣support​ for a strong U.S.-Israel alliance, ⁤I believe that a⁣ closer ⁤examination of the issue ⁢of⁣ U.S. aid⁢ will convince you that now is not the time to terminate a ⁣program that provides‌ significant benefits ⁢to⁢ our nation, strengthens our‍ key strategic ally Israel, ‌and contributes to the stability of the Middle​ East,” ⁢Brooks wrote.

Ramaswamy’s foreign ⁤policy positions have come under ⁢scrutiny as⁤ he has risen⁤ in the⁢ polls. The 38-year-old Republican recently stated in‌ an interview with podcast host Russell Brand that he supports ⁢cutting the ​$3 billion annual U.S. military funding ⁢to Israel⁢ by 2028. Ramaswamy reiterated this position​ to the Washington Free Beacon, emphasizing that⁤ the aid would no longer⁤ be necessary once he successfully negotiates new peace treaties between Israel​ and ‌its Arab neighbors within his first year ⁢as president.

“If we ⁢achieve success, the true measure of success for both the ⁣U.S. and Israel will⁣ be reaching 2028, ⁢where Israel stands​ firmly on its own, integrated⁣ into the economic and security infrastructure‍ of the rest of the Middle East, eliminating‌ the need for historical levels of aid or commitment from the U.S.,” Ramaswamy explained.

In response, Brooks argued ​in his⁣ letter⁤ that‌ Israel is “our most valuable ally​ against Iran, which poses the greatest threat ​to U.S.‌ interests in that region.” He warned that withdrawing military funding from Israel would be perceived as a weakening‌ of the U.S.-Israel ⁢relationship by Israel’s enemies.

“Iran already controls Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and the Gaza Strip,” Brooks stated. “Abandoning Israel would severely harm it in ⁢military, ⁤diplomatic, and economic terms. In this perilous time, such a move would clearly ‍not be in⁤ America’s best interest.”

Brooks also highlighted that​ Israel‍ spends ‌85 percent of its aid on American-manufactured arms, collaborates closely ⁤with U.S. Central Command, and has tested​ and improved various important‌ systems that have benefited U.S. forces.

Ramaswamy’s position on Israel aid has⁣ evolved⁤ throughout his ⁣campaign. In June, he expressed support for continuing aid, but earlier that month, he mentioned reducing⁢ foreign aid as part of a broader disengagement with the Middle⁢ East ⁢during​ a gathering in New Hampshire, according to a ⁢video obtained by the Free Beacon.