Indiana Gov. Mike Pence fueled speculation this week that he may run for the White House by visiting Israel, according to
Politico.
The Republican governor held a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday during his nine-day trip to the country, where presidential candidates historically often visit in the run-up to their campaigns.
"I would pledge to you from my vantage point in the heart of the heartland … that not just during this very special time of the year for people who share my tradition, but all throughout the year, that an appreciation for the state of Israel and the partnership between the state of Israel and America has never been stronger," Pence told Netanyahu, according to Politico.
Pence planned to focus on cultural and economic development activities during his trip, which is funded by the Zionist organization Christians United for Israel and the Indiana Economic Development Foundation.
Pence also met with Israeli Economy Minister Naftali Bennett for talks on Israel-Indiana economic partnerships, and he visited the Holocaust memorial and museum Yad Vashem, according to the political news website.
Pence, who has the backing of billionaire
conservative donors Charles and David Koch, plans to make an announcement on whether he will join the GOP race in 2016 after his state’s legislative session adjourns in April.
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