TL/DR –
The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) has announced that it will partner in hosting the third GOP presidential primary debate next month. This move comes amid escalating violence in Israel and Gaza. The RJC said that current events in Israel have underscored the importance of American foreign policy and the candidates’ vision for America’s role in the world.
Republican Jewish Coalition Co-Sponsoring GOP Debate Amid Israel-Gaza Violence
The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC), the leading Jewish political organization aligned with the GOP, announced its partnership in hosting the third GOP presidential primary debate. This announcement follows escalating violence in Israel and Gaza due to a recent Hamas attack.
The RJC will become the first Jewish group to co-sponsor a national debate, partnering with NBC News and the Salem Radio Network for the event in Miami on November 8. This event is significant amid the volatile situation in Israel, highlighting the importance of American foreign policy.
The RJC’s involvement comes as Israel’s campaign against Hamas enters its second week, with Palestinian casualties increasing. The Israel Defense Forces continue their assault, and more rockets hit the Tel Aviv area.
The Republican Jewish Coalition’s Role and Influence
RJC CEO Matt Brooks lauded the invitation from the Republican National Committee as a historic opportunity, demonstrating the GOP’s value for the Jewish community and the RJC’s impact as an organization. The RJC had been backed by Sheldon Adelson, a late Republican megadonor and prominent supporter of pro-Israel causes, until 2021.
The GOP primary candidates, including Trump, are scheduled to attend the coalition’s leadership summit soon. However, Trump will not partake in the Miami debate, making it his third absence. Despite his lead in most national polls, the RNC dismissed Trump’s calls to cancel the remaining candidate debates.
Republicans, Israel, and Trump
The RJC’s announcement comes as Republican support for Israel was questioned by former President Donald Trump’s criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump accused Netanyahu of being unprepared for Hamas’s attack while praising the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah as “very smart” but later backtracked.
Trump’s GOP rivals criticized the former president, who then expressed admiration for the IDF and extended his support to Israeli military members. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis critiqued Trump for airing personal grievances, emphasizing the need to fully support Israel’s right to defend itself.
Third GOP Debate and RNC’s Stand
Announcing the debate co-sponsors, RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel expressed the event would allow candidates to contrast their visions against the Biden White House’s failures. Prior to Trump’s reversal, Brooks had commended Biden for his handling of the Israel-Gaza situation, stating that the president had shown “unwavering support” for Israel.
Brooks told The New York Times that despite potential policy differences, Biden stood firmly with Israel at a critical time, a stance visible to the American people and the international community.
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