Republicans Support Israel in Election Debate; Nikki Haley: Without Iran, Hamas Would Not Exist

Five candidates vying for the Republican nomination in the 2024 U.S. presidential election emphasized their support for Israel in its war against Hamas and the destructive role of the Islamic Republic in regional tensions during their third debate on Wednesday night, November 8. Nikki Haley, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and one of the candidates, stated that Israel must destroy Hamas. She added, "We need to have a proper understanding that without Iran, Hamas would not exist, without Iran Hezbollah would not exist, without Iran the Houthis would not exist, and if it weren't for Iran's support, Iranian militants in Syria and Iraq would not exist to attack our male and female soldiers." The Iranian-backed Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, killing at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and taking more than 240 hostages, including children, women, and the elderly. In response, Israel has targeted Hamas positions in Gaza with relentless air, sea, and ground attacks. The United States, Canada, Australia, the European Union, Japan, Israel, and several other countries have listed Hamas as a terrorist organization. Senator Tim Scott, another Republican candidate, stated that he would tell Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, "Not only do you have the responsibility and right to wipe Hamas off the map, but we also have the responsibility to support you." Vivek Ramaswamy, another Republican candidate, challenged Haley on her positions regarding the Israel-Hamas war and Ron DeSantis, the Governor of Florida, on his hardline stance towards China, suggesting that these two candidates could lead the U.S. into a bloody war in Europe. However, he emphasized Israel's right to defend itself, saying, "I tell Netanyahu to destroy these terrorists at the southern border, and then as president, I will tell him we will also destroy the terrorists at our southern border." Ron DeSantis, in response to what advice he would give to Netanyahu, said he would tell him, "Finish the job with these butchers once and for all." He described Hamas as terrorists who massacre innocent people and expressed his frustration at others blaming Israel merely for defending itself. Chris Christie, former Governor of New Jersey, criticized Israeli intelligence agencies for failing to thwart the October 7 attack by Hamas but stated that Netanyahu must ensure that Hamas can never do such a thing again. The debate featured Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Chris Christie, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Senator Tim Scott. Former President Donald Trump did not participate in any of the three debates held so far. The next Republican presidential candidates' debate will take place on December 6.