The Perry camp is already rolling on trying to further unpack Rick Perry’s answer about whether he would include Israel in his rethink for re-assessing all international aid budgets from zero at the beginning of the year. Here’s the clarifying email:
As Gov. Perry said during the debate, “Obviously, Israel is a special ally, and my bet is that we would be funding them at some substantial level. But it makes sense for everyone to come in at zero and make your case.”
Gov. Perry is a friend to Israel and understands the challenges faced by the country. He has visited the country several times and has personal relationships with Israeli leaders. While in Israel in 2009, he was also awarded the Defender of Jerusalem Award.
Gov. Perry recognizes Israel as a unique and vital political and economic partner for the United States in the Middle East. Our mutual commitment to democracy and free market principles makes us allies in the defense of western civilization.
Gov. Perry understands Israel’s security challenges, particularly the threat of Iran, and the need to work together to counter this threat. Especially after the most recent IAEA report on Iran’s nuclear activity, we must not let any daylight show between our two nations.
Gov. Perry understands the need to continue to work toward a solution to the Palestinian problem, but does not believe weakening Israel is the road to peace. A strong Israel is in the best interests of the United States and the region.
Gov. Perry believes that the actions by the Palestinians to circumvent the appropriate diplomatic process and go directly to the United Nations to seek a unilateral declaration of statehood is unacceptable and a direct threat to our friend and ally, Israel.
Under Rick Perry’s presidency, any consideration of Palestinian statehood will depend upon a complete recognition of Israel as a Jewish state, the total rejection of terrorism and Palestinian leaders sitting down directly with Israel to negotiate a settlement. The aid and support of the United States will be based on the Palestinians meeting these requirements.
