Sen. Paul Does Not Favor a Drastic Cut to Aid For Israel

Says Israel has been a "great friend" to the U.S.

WASHINGTON (JTA) — U.S. Sen. Rand Paul said he does not favor immediate cuts to defense assistance to Israel, but believes Israel ultimately would benefit from economic independence from the United States.

Paul (R-Ky.), in a conference call Wednesday marking his return from a weeklong visit to Israel, said his first priority in targeting foreign assistance would be those nations where people "burn the American flag and say death to America."