Donald Trump assured voters that he is pro-Israel Thursday night, despite previously saying he would remain neutral in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“First of all, there’s nobody on this stage that’s more pro-Israel than I am. There’s nobody. I am pro-Israel,” Trump said during the Republican presidential debate in Miami. “I was the grand marshal, not so long ago, of the Israeli day parade down Fifth Avenue. I’ve made massive contributions to Israel.”
Yet after Trump made his declaration about being the most pro-Israel candidate, distinctive boos could be heard coming from the audience.
“I have a lot of — I have tremendous love for Israel,” Trump continued. “I happen to have a son-in-law and a daughter that are Jewish, OK, and two grandchildren that are Jewish.”
The business mogul added that despite his undying love for Israel, he was unsure his business skills could negotiate peace in the Middle East as “it’s probably the toughest negotiation of all time.” During the last GOP debate, Trump said that he was sure he could execute such a deal.
Sen. Marco Rubio countered that the policy Trump outlined is in fact “an anti-Israel policy” because “there is no peace deal possible with the Palestinians at this moment” as there is “no one to negotiate with” and they aren’t interested in a peace deal right now.”
