The annual meeting of the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) began this Friday in Las Vegas marked by conflict in the Middle East, with heightened security and the expectation that the presidential candidates of the conservative party will announce a league-on a commitment to Israel.
The annual event, which traditionally welcomes White House hopefuls seeking donors in their election races, took on a different tone this week as convention leaders described the administration’s response as “weak.” Joe Biden in conflict.
“Interestingly, all the presidential candidates feel like they want to be here and speak to this group, it says a lot,” said Marty Flasher, one of the event’s attendees.
“The world will be watching,” the Coalition of X (formerly Twitter) posted announcing the countdown to the event.
The eight leading party candidates, including poll leader Donald Trump and the second-highest ranked, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, will participate in the meeting on Saturday morning.
Military support for Israel, policies regarding Palestinian refugees and measures against pro-Palestinian organizations in the United States are some of the topics that should be discussed in this forum.
“I know they will all be passionate supporters of Israel. The question is what does this mean for them and what will they do in terms of foreign policy? “said Flasher.
Organizers announced the changes following an unprecedented attack by Hamas against Israel on October 7, which strengthened security measures at the Convention Center of the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas, which today Friday was occupied by the police and other troops.
The forum has also expanded its scope in anticipation of a larger number of participants due to the rise in the Middle East.
On the eve of the event, Mike Johnson, the newly appointed speaker of the House of Representatives of Congress, announced that he would participate in the meeting.
“Their participation highlights their commitment to the unity of the people of Israel and the American Jewish community and is also a reflection of the significance and importance of the work of the RJC,” the organizers said on X, formerly Twitter.
The conflict has become prominent in the rhetoric of the electoral race for the White House.
Trump, who initially said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was “not ready” for a ground invasion of Gaza, has since sought to clarify his unwavering support for Israel, and should use the space to prove himself from the criticism that is seen as a slip.
DeSantis, who has attacked Trump for his earlier positions, adopted tough rhetoric.
“Israel is under attack. (…) Enough. It is time to show the strength of our enemies,” the governor, who is also vocal against the acceptance of Palestinian refugees in the United States, wrote in X this Thursday.
Nikki Haley, former US ambassador to the United Nations, tried to use the fear of anti-Semitic attacks on national soil as leverage in the campaign.
“As President (of the United States) I will change the official federal definition of anti-Semitism to include the denial of Israel’s right to exist, and I will revoke the tax exemption for schools that do not combat anti-Semitism in all its forms. , according to federal law,” he published this week.
In addition to strong political positions from the participants, prayers and tributes to the victims of Israel are expected in this, one of the most recent editions of the event.
“There is only one party that is pro-Israel. The @GOP!!,” said Mat Brooks, executive director of the Coalition, on his X account, hiding some criticism of the Biden administration, despite the president’s confirmation that Washington’s support for Israel is “rock solid,” and he traveled to this region to express his “solidarity.”
Attacks by the Palestinian Islamist group in October caused 1,400 deaths in Israel, according to the country’s authorities.
In retaliation, Israel relentlessly bombarded the Gaza Strip, causing more than 7,000 deaths, according to local authorities.
