Rand Paul calls for gradual cut in aid to Israel
JERUSALEM - In his first visit to Israel, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul is calling for a gradual reduction of American foreign aid.
Its an unlikely place to deliver the message, since Israel is among the largest recipients of American assistance. But Paul said in a Monday meeting with reporters that the U.S. cant afford to keep sending money overseas, even to allies like Israel. He says it would be harder to be a friend of Israel if we are out of money.
The Kentucky Republican, a longtime opponent of foreign aid, acknowledges hes expressing a minority opinion and doubts Congress will cut aid. He insists Washington should first cut aid to countries with strained ties to America, such as Pakistan and Egypt.
Israel gets about $3 billion a year in military aid.
Posted by: Steve White 2013-01-08 |