Paul's move could be seen as an attempt to drum up pro-Israel support prior to a 2016 bid. Paul to propose halting Palestine aid

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul will introduce a bill this week, calling for an end of U.S. aid to Palestine until it recognizes Israel’s right to exist, which could be seen as an attempt to drum up pro-Israel support prior to a possible 2016 bid.

“Israel cannot be expected to negotiate with an entity that does not believe it should exist and that has used terrorist tactics to seek its end,” the Republican senator said in a statement Monday.


The measure, which would make aid to Palestine conditional and dependent upon its recognition of Israel and a ceasefire, follows news last week of a unity deal between Fatah and Hamas as well as recent criticism Paul has faced himself regarding his stance on foreign policy.

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Of the accord between the two groups, Paul said it brings “both danger and opportunity to the peace process, and the next five weeks may prove critical.”

Paul added if the new unity government agrees to the ceasefire and recognition of Israel’s right to exist, then peace talks in the region “can move forward with two willing partners.”

This isn’t the first time the Kentucky senator has introduced legislation trying to halt foreign aid. The Senate voted to table a measure Paul introduced last year that would have cut off U.S. aid to Egypt, however he got the support of Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who voted with Paul.