PolitiFact Staff

UPDATED: Five Republicans seeking to oust President Joe Biden from the White House in 2024 sparred over the Israel-Hamas war, the threat from China and the U.S. approach to terrorism early in the third presidential primary debate. They repeatedly expressed support for Israel and decried Hamas, while criticizing Biden for his administration’s response.

Without Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump on stage, Trump's challengers lobbed accusations about allegiances with foreign governments and increasing spending during the other’s tenures. The role of foreign governments, including China, Mexico and Ukraine, was front and center in the discussion.