The contrast between the two leading Republican candidates neatly illustrate the sharp contrast not only in their leadership style but in some basic understanding of diplomatic policy , at the same time that Republicans are appealing to American Jews, not necessarily the Ultra-Orthodox community that traditionally vote for National Republican candidates.
But within the Orthodox Jewish community there is also a battle over minds, over who is the most Pro Israeli candidate in the race, and who is most to be trusted to stand with Israel in these challenging times. Orthodox Jews according to The Jewish Week are divided in their support of the frontrunners Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney.
The differences between these two groups are about substance and style, Yet there is also another factor that has to be taken in count,and that is an understanding of American policy and diplomacy at large. While the Israeli Government moved over the course of recent years to the center, enjoying support from an overwhelming majority Israeli public, The American administration cannot afford to be at the right of the Israeli people.
The question is, which one do Republican voters want.
Ideological pro Israelis, those who still believe in a greater Israel (Eretz Yisrael Hashleima) find in Newt Gingrich’ view and his pro Israel record a reason to cozy up to him and support him, especially when the fight is who can take on the President and counter Obama’s Israel record, and newt fit’s into that model of a strong character that has the courage and conviction to stand up, speak out, it high time the Truth and expose the lies that has been shoved under the carpet for years.
However those who are pro Israel by passion, by personal experience (visited or learned in Israel) and by understanding the importance of the US-Israel strategic alliance, understand that an American president must be at the center of diplomacy, represent America’s National security interests and serve as a mediator in the middle east conflict.
Over the past few months, getting to know the candidates in search for an alternative foreign policy approach and an electable candidate that can beat the President, learning their positions and studying their proposals, one can certainly see the differences and make up their mind over who will respectfully serve the the pro Israel community’s desire in electing a President that will always stand with Israel, support Israel, but also serve as the voice of the American people that understand the importance of a strong and close US-Israel alliance.
