Another debate between the contenders in the Republican presidential race took place tonight (Wednesday through Thursday) in Miami. All the candidates expressed unconditional support for Israel in general, and especially for its war against Hamas.
Nikki Haley, former US ambassador to the UN and governor of South Carolina, called on Israel to "destroy" Hamas completely.
Trump lashes out at Biden and DeSantis at rally in Pennsylvania // Reuters
"The last thing we need to do is tell Israel what to do," Haley said in a debate broadcast on NBC. "The only thing we need to do is support them in eliminating Hamas. It's not that Israel needs America. America needs Israel. They are at the forefront of this Islamist terrorism."
"Don't tell Israel what to do." Nikki Haley, Photo: AP
Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina said he would tell Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he has a responsibility to "wipe Hamas off the map."
According to Scott, Biden should carry out direct strikes against Iran in retaliation for attacks on U.S. military personnel by Iranian proxies in Syria and Iraq. Scott spoke shortly after the U.S. attacked an arms depot in Syria that the Pentagon said was used by Iranian forces.
"If you want to make a change, you can't just keep attacking warehouses in Syria," he said. "The head of the snake must actually be cut off, and the head of the snake is Iran, not just the messengers."
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis: "There were Floridians who were in Israel after the terrorist attack. (U.S. President Joe Biden) left them stuck. They couldn't get flights out. I sent planes to Israel, and brought more than 700 people back to safety. We could have been more hostages had we not acted," DeSantis said. "We acted and saved lives."
"Get the job done." Ron DeSantis (archive), photo: AP
"I will tell Bibi, 'End the job once and for all with Hamas, they are terrorists,'" DeSantis continued. "I'm tired of hearing people blaming Israel for defending itself. We will stand with Israel."
For the third time, former President Donald Trump did not show up for a debate with Republican challengers, instead holding a competing event nearby, where he suggested that the Republican Party cancel future debates. "It's time for the Republican establishment to stop wasting time and resources," Trump said, calling the debate "unwatchable."
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