In the ongoing Republican presidential primary race, candidates Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy have escalated their verbal clashes, particularly regarding the Israel conflict. Ramaswamy, in his latest statement, called for Haley to be removed from the presidential race.
On October 13, outside the First in the Nation Leadership Summit in New Hampshire, Ramaswamy accused Haley of having “personal conflicts of interest” related to the Israel conflict due to her reported ties to companies involved in defense equipment supply. He remarked, “Nikki Haley’s foreign policy expertise is evident in her substantial $8 million bank account.” Ramaswamy further criticized her for what he perceived as a hawkish neoconservative stance that might lead to prolonged conflicts and wars.
Ramaswamy didn’t spare President Joe Biden, claiming that the White House had exploited connections and foreign policy for financial gain, referring to it as the “Biden crime family.” He emphasized the need to avoid a Republican version of the same and expressed concern about a potential president who might lead the country into a World War III scenario, which he believed was implied by Haley’s rhetoric.
It’s worth noting that in 2016, the U.S. and Israel signed a historic $38 billion military aid package for the FY2019 to FY2028 period. Ramaswamy recently voiced his support for reducing financial aid to Israel after the package’s expiration in 2028. In response, Haley affirmed her unwavering commitment to supporting Israel, stating, “As President, I will never abandon Israel.”
