2024 GOP hopefuls will defend Israel, seek donors at big Republican Jewish Coalition gathering

Follow live: Updates from AP’s coverage of the presidential election. LAS VEGAS — The GOP presidential candidates will compete for donors and offer their strong support for Israel in its war with Hamas as they address the annual gathering of a major Republican Jewish group this weekend. The Republican Jewish Coalition’s gathering in Las Vegas has for years been a key stop for GOP candidates as they seek not only to court Jewish voters but also to present themselves as stalwart allies of Israel, a key priority for many in the party’s base, particularly Christian evangelicals. For Republican White House hopefuls, the war has become a prominent issue on the campaign trail in recent weeks, and the reception they get as they address the crowd Saturday could be a key measure of strength in a contest that’s been dominated by former President Donald Trump. And just this month, Trump, known for broadcasting his personal grievances, drew criticism after the deadly attack in Israel by lashing out at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and referring to Lebanon’s Hezbollah group as “very smart.” After his comments were denounced by his rivals and criticized by some of his allies, Trump a few days later issued a statement of support for Netanyahu, invoking his nickname and saying “#IStandWithBibi” and “#IStandWithIsrael” — a move that did not go unnoticed by the head of the Republican Jewish Coalition.