Officials: Romney VP Choice Very Pro-Israel

**Chris** · August-11th-2012, 05:32 PM

Officials: Romney VP Choice Very Pro-Israel - Defense/Security - News - Israel National News

Officials: Romney VP Choice Very Pro-Israel
Paul Ryan, who was selected by Mitt Romney to run as his vice-president, is considered a strong supporter of Israel
By David Lev
First Publish: 8/11/2012, 9:18 PM

Paul Ryan, who was selected by Mitt Romney to run as his vice-president in the upcoming U.S. Presidential elections, is considered a strong supporter of Israel by Israeli and U.S. Jewish community officials. Ryan, a Republican congressman from Wisconsin, has said that “America has no better friend in the Middle East than the nation of Israel. Not only is Israel the region’s only fully functioning democracy, with a government based on popular consent and the rule of law, but it is also a valuable ally against Islamic extremism and terrorism.”

On his web site, Ryan writes that Israel's and America's “shared democratic values and national interests are supported by maintaining a close friendship with Israel.” Although, he writes, “While I do not have a role in the diplomatic discussions over the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, America should not pressure Israel to agree to a peace deal that is unlikely to result in peace and security.”

Ryan, 42, is chairman of the House Budget Committee, and is considered one of the rising ideological stars of the Republican party. He is considered a fiscal conservative and a hawk on defense; earlier this year, he sponsored legislation to ensure that cuts to defense spending would remain intact, despite upcoming budget cuts.

Ryan was a dark horse among vice-presidential candidates, but Republicans from all wings of the party have acclaimed Ryan as an excellent choice for Romney's running mate. Former Florida governor, described it as a "courageous choice. Congressman Ryan's command of economic policy and the federal budget will prove invaluable as Governor Romney fights to reform government, accelerate job growth and rein in the out-of-control spending that has been a hallmark of President Obama's years in office," Bush said.