RAMALLAH, Jan 28 (JMCC) - US Senator Rand Paul endorses slashing U.S. aid to Israel as part of reducing the escalating deficit, drawing criticism from his colleagues who argue the U.S. must continue its unwavering support for its longtime Mideast ally.

The overwhelming majority of Americans agree with Senator Paul — our current fiscal crisis makes it impossible to continue the spending policies of the past, Paul spokesman Gary Howard said in a statement responding to the criticism. We simply cannot afford to give money away, even to our allies, with so much debt mounting on a daily basis.

The latest economic forecast puts the deficit at a record $1.5 trillion.

Read the full story at the Associated Press...