RAMALLAH, Feb 2 (JMCC) - Several high-profile hopeful Republican presidential candidates have been making very open trips to Israel in advance of launching their campaigns as they look to legtimize their credentials on foreign policy.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney began the Holy Land parade last month, holding a private meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during part of a larger Middle East trip.

Next, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee -- who has been outspoken in his advocacy for allowing Jewish settlements to be built in Palestinian-held lands -- arrived in Israel last weekend for an extended trip that also included a visit with Netanyahu.

And on Tuesday, the Republican Jewish Coalition announced that it was sponsoring a trip for Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour to Israel next weekend when he will meet with Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders.


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