Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) joined Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and other colleagues in unveiling the Stand with Israel Act, a bill designed to counter any efforts by the United Nations (U.N.) to undermine Israel’s status.
The proposed legislation would prevent U.S. funding from going to the U.N. if it takes actions to downgrade Israel’s standing, such as restricting its voting rights, committee access, or other roles within the organization.
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“The U.N. has failed to pass any resolution to condemn the October 7 terrorists, yet the Palestinian delegation has tried to delegitimize Israel by introducing radical resolutions. Even though the U.N.’s policies often run against American interests, we remain its biggest funder. We shouldn’t send American tax dollars to groups that demonize our strongest democratic ally in the Middle East while elevating terrorist-sympathizers and the Palestinian Authority,” said Kennedy.
Kennedy’s comments follow his criticism of a U.N. resolution introduced by the Palestinian Authority, which sought to end Israel’s presence in the West Bank, sanction Israeli officials, and block arms transfers to Israel. The resolution, which the U.S. did not support, was passed by the U.N. General Assembly last month.
Senator Risch condemned any attempts to alter Israel’s status at the U.N., calling such moves “anti-Semitic.”
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“Any attempt to alter Israel’s status at the UN is clearly anti-Semitic. That said, if the UN member states allow the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization to downgrade Israel’s status at the UN, the U.S. must stop supporting the UN system, as it would clearly be beyond repair. I am disgusted that this outrageous idea has even been discussed, and will do all I can to ensure any changes to Israel’s status will come with consequences,” said Risch.
The bill is the Senate companion to the bipartisan H.R. 9394, introduced in the House by Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.).
Other senators supporting the bill include Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and several others. The legislation aims to ensure that any attempts to diminish Israel’s role within the U.N. will have significant consequences for the organization.
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