Vivek Ramaswamy, a prominent contender in the Republican primaries ahead of the US presidential elections, said in a special interview with Israel Hayom that if elected to the position he would increase security aid to Israel.
In an extensive interview, the first of its kind with the Israeli media, Ramaswamy said that he had visited Israel many times and learned a lot about what was happening there. He also revealed that the economic breakthrough that made him a billionaire was made in successful cooperation with Israeli entrepreneurs.
Trump reacts to indictment against him (archive) // Credit: Reuters
In an interview Monday at his campaign headquarters in Oklahoma, Ohio, Ramaswamy explained his stance on U.S. security assistance 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 that it goes through the industrial base (of the United States) because a lot of the work is done in the United States of America. So he joins other interests in strengthening the U.S. (What he means is that part of the benefit of the budget for Israel is that it is ultimately directed to procurement from American industry.) So in a way it would be foolish for the US to want to cut it.
"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," he said.
Ramaswamy added, "If Israel comes to us as a real friend, as Netanyahu did in the past (referring to Netanyahu's speech to both houses of Congress in 1996) and says it no longer needs this aid, then great. This is a point at which we can reevaluate. But we will not cut aid as long as Israel tells us so. And even then, it's still good for American industry because we'll build our capabilities."
Ramaswamy speaking during a debate between Republican candidates, Photo: Reuters
Q. In other words, as long as Israel says it wants the aid, will you support its continuation and even its increase?
"As long as it's done through the U.S., it's a very logical conversation."
Ramaswamy's comments come after he was attacked last week by other contenders for his remarks that he wants to bring about a situation in which American security aid to Israel ends. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida's governor argued that his statement hurt Israel and the United States. But Ramswami said in the interview that he is a strong supporter of Israel, has visited it and learned a lot from it, and that his remarks have been taken out of context by "professional politicians."
Ramswami, the son of Indian immigrants, is only 38 years old, describes himself as a "non-establishment candidate." So far, he has given few interviews to non-American or Indian media. Along with the great self-confidence he radiates, Ramswami is also endowed with great charismaticism and the ability to give personal attention to those around him.
As is required of a presidential candidate, he has a hectic agenda, much of which is devoted to media interviews. During the hours I was at headquarters, he was interviewed in the private studio of the Hannity headquarters on Fox Network, former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, and more.
Ramaswamy got rich in the previous decade as an entrepreneur in the healthcare industry and his fortune is estimated at $1 billion. Last week, Ramswami attracted a lot of attention in a debate between the eight Republican contenders, and according to some polls, even won it.
According to internal Republican polls, his popularity is rising, and in some he even equals DeSantis and comes in second place, behind former President Donald Trump. In an interview with Israel Hayom, Ramaswamy described himself as an outsider that the American public still does not know enough about, and who will ultimately win the internal party elections by a larger margin than Trump achieved in the 2016 elections.
"I'm an outsider to politics." A confrontation of Republican contenders with the exception of Trump,
Q. A political analyst says there are actually two Republican primaries. One of the eight who appeared at last week's debate, which Trump did not attend, and the other between one of the eight and Trump. Politically, in order to defeat him, wouldn't it be wiser that you eight choose one of you to go head-to-head against him? He enjoys the split between you.
"I don't look at it that way, but in a much simpler way. I am an outsider to politics. I am a successful businessman, 38 years old. Living the American Dream. I'm raising two boys and I want to make sure they and their generation enjoy the same American dream I did. I want to revive our national identity, and the way I think about it is as an outsider to politics. I was the only outsider on stage last week and I'm the real outsider in this race. My job to tell the truth is to tell the people of this country, who I am and what I stand for. And you know what, if everyone in this country knew that, and elected someone else, I'm fine with that."
"I'll be the next president." The White House, Photo: GettyImages
"But I think the reality is that people in this country know who I am and what I stand for and that will lead me to succeed. I will be the next president. And it's not about me. It's not about Trump, it's about the country. I am a tool for advancing our agenda as America first. And that's why I think we're going to succeed. So you're going to tell me, 'Let's not talk about real horse racing politics,' it's just some self-reference, but look what political analysts have said about Trump, at this time in 2016. It was funny that there wasn't one who said he was going to win the election. That's exactly what will happen. I think I'm following the same path that Trump did in 2016. And I do think I will succeed, even more in winning the general election by a larger margin."
The full interview will be published on Friday.
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