GAZA IN FOCUS AS US REPUBLICAN PARTY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES DEBATE

Thu 07 December 2023:

Israel’s war on Gaza was a central theme as four presidential candidates for the Republican party took part in their fourth public debate on Wednesday night.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former UN envoy Nikki Haley, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie participated in the event at the University of Alabama while the Republican frontrunner Donald Trump skipped the discussion.

Christie said he would send US soldiers to rescue Americans held in Gaza if there was a safe way to do so.

“You’re damn right, I’d send the American army in there to get our people home,” Christie said.

Despite Washington’s unwavering support for Netanyahu’s war, DeSantis accused Biden of restricting Israel’s military campaign.

“Joe Biden will say they support Israel, and then they do nothing but try to kneecap them every step of the way,” he said.

DeSantis later said he would not allow refugees from Gaza to enter the US.

Ramaswamy said “Israel absolutely has the right to defend itself without the US, UN or EU second-guessing its decisions.”

Haley said the US must support allies to protect the world order, referring to Israel’s war in Gaza, Ukraine, and Taiwan.

Among the topics discussed was the growth of militaristic sentiment within the party regarding the conflict. For instance, a noteworthy stance was the possibility of deploying US soldiers to rescue Americans held in Gaza, should there be a fool-proof plan to do so. This statement solidified the conviction that utmost priority to safeguard the wellbeing of American citizens, regardless of the geographical locations they are found in.

Accusations against the Current Administration

The debate also echoed allegations of negligence against the current US administration’s approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict. It was asserted by multiple candidates that the current President’s administration alleges support for Israel but attempts to systematically undermine them at every turn. This polarizing view underscores the need to re-examine US foreign policy concerning this sensitive issue and for comprehensive solutions rather than politicized rhetoric.

The Refugee Debate

The contentious issue of whether or not to allow refugees from Gaza to enter the US was also touched upon during the discussion. Advocacy for stricter border control took center stage during the passionate debate, reflecting the differing views within the party regarding immigration and national security.

Consideration of Global Allies

Another sentiment reflected during the debate was the vital need for the US to demonstrate unwavering support for its allies. This, they asserted, is critical for maintaining world order in sensitive regions such as Gaza, Ukraine, and Taiwan. Strong alliances, according to the candidates, are paramount to maintaining stability in these regions and thereby the global peace.

The discussion showed promise in tackling hard-hitting topics that affect both domestic and international spheres. However, prioritizing one issue over the other, as can often happen in political debates, can detract from the complexity and interconnectedness of modern geopolitical issues, ultimately calling for a balanced approach when making policy decisions.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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