At the American Israel Public Affairs Conference (AIPAC) on Monday, four of the remaining five presidential candidates talked about U.S. foreign policy–especially with regards to Israel. The candidates giving speeches were Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and John Kasich. Bernie Sanders did not attend or speak at the event.
Hillary Clinton – Delivered a pro-Israel sentiment in her speech, but was not able to explain the problems in her record. She mentioned three evolving threats: Iran’s aggression, rising extremism and the growing effort to de-legitimize Israel. Clinton said the U.S.-Israel alliance is more indispensable than ever.
Donald Trump – Gave a detailed policy speech that won many standing ovations. He said his number one priority is to dismantle the “disastrous” deal with Iran. Trump said that in Gaza, Iran is supporting Hamas and Islamic jihad, who are carrying out deplorable killings of Jewish Israelis every day. He clarified his stance on Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, saying he sees Israel as the aggrieved party, where previously Trump said he would be “neutral” between the two. He made a stir when he referred to the land of “Palestine.” Trump used the speech to state his opposition to the United Nations and NATO. Read the transcript of Trump’s speech here.
Ted Cruz – Reminded the crowd that he is reliably pro-Israel in a speech that was similar to those he has previously delivered throughout his campaign. Cruz used the opportunity to jab Donald Trump for referring to the Palestinian territories (some of which are under Israeli control) as “Palestine,” which is considered a slight to Israel’s right to the land. Cruz compared himself to Trump, saying he would not be “neutral” on the issue of choosing between the Palestinians and Israel. Cruz promised to reverse the Iran nuclear deal on his first day in office. For more on Cruz’s speech, click here.
John Kasich – Cited his history of fighting for Israel in Congress and in the Ohio Statehouse. Some say he had the best speech of the evening, although it would be almost impossible for Kasich to receive the Republican nomination. Saying he wouldn’t need any on-the-job training, Kasich voiced his unwavering support for the Jewish state. He also recommended that the U.S. suspend its nuclear deal with Iran; if elected president, he would not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. Kasich won loud cheers when he called the Palestinian attacks on Israelis the result of a “culture of hate that the Palestinian Authority has promoted for 50 years.”
Outside the Washington, D.C. conference there were as many as 1,000 anti-Trump protesters holding signs saying Trump is a Nazi, and demanding the U.S. stop funding Israel. AIPAC is the pro-Israel community’s preeminent annual gathering, and it attracted 18,000 lobbyists this year.
Why this Matters: Today, both the nation of Israel as a Jewish land and the right of the Jews to claim Jerusalem is disputed by an increasing portion of the world–including the Vatican. This dispute also includes the Gaza strip. Past efforts to divide Israel into two nations (called the two-state solution) have always failed because it is not up to man to move the boundaries that God has established.
How to Pray: That God would have favor on the candidate of His choosing. Pray for the Republican party leaders to stand behind the person the people nominate. Pray there would be happy excitement, and a spirit of unity, not division and wrecklessness, at the GOP convention. Pray for God to bless the nation of Israel.
Josh. 1:6 – Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
Praying Citizen 
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