Paul's effort to boost Israel bona fides gets rejected

POLITCO

Sen. Rand Paul’s attempt to burnish his pro-Israel credentials hit an obstacle called the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday.

True to form, however, the 2016 presidential candidate pledged not to give ground.

The Kentucky Republican — who is trying to dispel lingering notions that he doesn’t support Israel — offered up an amendment to a State Department policy bill that would cut off U.S. taxpayer funding to the Palestinian Authority.

Paul’s legislation says the governing body of the Palestinians needs to renounce violence, recognize Israel as a Jewish state and sever ties to terrorists.

But the proposal has many detractors — Committee Chairman Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) noted that many in Israel’s government do not support it. Israeli leaders are reportedly worried that cutting off aid to the Palestinian government could lead to more chaos in the volatile region.

The amendment failed by a 14-5 vote, with little debate.

In a statement afterward, Paul said he was “deeply disappointed with the vote,” but promised to “continue pushing” to cut off the aid. As far as Israel goes, Paul said, “my support has not and will not waiver.”

Relative to other members of the emerging GOP 2016 presidential field, Paul is more cautious about U.S. engagement abroad, and that has led many in the pro-Israel community to be suspicious of him.

In the past, Paul has suggested the U.S. should cut off all foreign aid, including to Israel. He has backtracked on that idea, however, and has sought to improve his standing with the pro-Israel community as he’s ramped up his presidential run.