In a bold move, over 100 bipartisan members of the US House of Representatives have sent a stark warning to the United Nations, threatening to cut funding if the international body continues its criticism of Israel’s actions in the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
The letter, led by Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), expresses deep concern over a recent UN resolution demanding Israel return all land and assets acquired since 1967. This resolution, the lawmakers argue, unfairly undermines Israel’s right to defend itself and fails to recognize the nation’s legitimate security concerns.
“Any downgrade in Israel’s status or standing at the UNGA will result in a corresponding downgrade of U.S. financial, material and political support to the U.N.,” the letter states, emphasizing the significant weight of US funding for the UN. The message, addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, was signed by 105 lawmakers, including all the House Republican leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), and 10 House Democrats, signifying widespread support for Israel within the House.
The lawmakers specifically denounce the UN resolution, calling it “outrageous” and highlighting its potential to “undercut Israel’s right to defend itself” from Hamas, the Palestinian militant group responsible for the October 7 terror attack. They argue that the resolution fails to acknowledge the security threats Israel faces, focusing instead on demanding the return of territories.
The letter further criticizes the UN for seemingly taking sides against Israel, accusing the organization of “definitively taking sides against Israel” instead of remaining a neutral body. “We will not accept the U.N.’s ongoing hostility to our ally Israel,” the lawmakers assert, underscoring their strong stance in support of Israel.
This escalation in tensions comes amidst ongoing cease-fire talks, which have been complicated by the recent killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the October 7 attack, by Israeli forces. The situation underscores the delicate balance and complex dynamics at play in the region, with the US finding itself caught between its long-standing ally Israel and the international pressure to resolve the conflict peacefully.
The letter from the US lawmakers highlights the strong backing Israel enjoys in Congress, particularly within the House of Representatives, despite a growing number of Democrats expressing concerns over the high Palestinian civilian casualty count in the conflict. This bipartisan support for Israel is a significant factor in shaping the US stance in the ongoing conflict, with the nation playing a crucial role in mediating and potentially influencing any future resolutions.