Vice President Mike Pence speaks at the 2019 American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) policy conference, at Washington Convention Center, in Washington, Monday, March 25, 2019. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Vice President Mike Pence speaks at the 2019 American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) policy conference, at Washington Convention Center, in Washington, Monday, March 25, 2019. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

 

JERUSALEM — Mike Pence blasted Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, and reaffirmed his strong support for Israel.

Visiting Israel, the former Republican vice president told Israel Hayom, “Putin must stop or Putin must pay. We need to focus the world’s energy on ending the Ukrainian invasion and continuing to put pressure to bear until the Russian troops are out of Ukraine.”

Pence met with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to discuss the repercussions of a potential Iran nuclear deal, which may be imminent, in addition to the war in Ukraine.

In a tweet, Mr. Bennett thanked Pence for his “deep commitment and unwavering support to the State of Israel.”

Pence arrived on Monday, and will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Ariel University in recognition of his staunch and longstanding support of Israel.

Pence and his wife visited the Kosel where they were welcomed by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, the rabbi of the Kosel and holy sites, along with Mordechai Eliav, director of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation.

Pence prayed and inserted a kvittel between the stones. He commented that he felt a sense of sanctity and awe for the holiness of the site.

“Israel must be strong,” he said, “and that is what we pray for here.”

As reported by Vos Iz Neias