The man picked to run for the White House alongside Republican hopeful Mitt Romney has stated that the US has "no better friend in the Middle East than the nation of Israel".
Paul Ryan, the Wisconsin congressman named as Mr Romney's running mate, is a committed Catholic and considered to have solidly conservative views.
The Israeli ambassador to the US, Michael Oren, said Mr Ryan was "very supportive of Israel". This can be seen on his personal website, which has a whole section devoted to his views on Israel, the "only fully functioning democracy" in the Middle East
Describing Mr Ryan as a key all "against Islamic extremism and terrorism", he sticks to his Party's general view that Israel's safety cannot be jeopardised in any plan for the resolution of the Middle Eastern conflict
"While I do not have a role in the diplomatic discussions over the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, America should not pressure Israel to agree to a peace deal that is unlikely to result in peace and security," he said. "Real peace will require Palestinians to recognise that Israel has a right to exist, even as it will require two states for the two peoples."
The 42-year-old, who was elected to congress in 1998, is known for his position on healthcare and taxation and has not forged his career so far on foreign policy credentials.
His selection was applauded by the Republican Jewish Coalition, who said that a Romney-Ryan ticket would make a "powerful argument that America can do better – if we embrace the bold, principled leadership they're offering".
"Paul Ryan also understands that America must continue to serve as a bulwark against deadly threats in the international arena," said Matt Brooks, executive director of the RJC.
"He has earned appreciation from pro-Israel voters by rejecting the Obama administration's tactic of pressuring Israel to make concessions its leaders believe will undermine its security – and he rightly insists that a rejection of violence and incitement on the Palestinian side is an essential precondition for a meaningful peace agreement."
