Bipartisan House Lawmakers Warn UN Over Israel Retaliation

U.S. House votes on $95 billion Ukraine-Israel package on Capitol Hill in Washington

Over 100 bipartisan House lawmakers have issued a warning to the United Nations regarding potential repercussions if the international entity takes retaliatory actions against Israel in response to its conflict with Hamas.

The lawmakers expressed deep concern over potential efforts by the Palestinian Authority to downgrade Israel's status at the U.N. General Assembly and strip the country of its key privileges within the organization. They emphasized that any downgrade in Israel's standing at the UNGA could lead to a corresponding reduction in U.S. financial, material, and political support to the U.N.

The message, addressed to U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, was signed by 105 bipartisan House members, including Republican and Democrat leaders. The lawmakers criticized the UNGA's recent resolution demanding Israel to return all land and assets settled in Palestinian Territories since 1967, as well as calling for nations to cease treaty and trade relations with Israel in areas involving Palestinian territories.

Concerns raised over Palestinian Authority's efforts to downgrade Israel's status at U.N.

105 bipartisan House members warn U.N. Secretary-General about potential repercussions.

Downgrade in Israel's U.N. standing could lead to reduced U.S. support to the organization.

The lawmakers condemned the UNGA's decision, stating that it undermines Israel's right to self-defense, particularly in response to the recent terror attack by Hamas. They raised concerns about the U.N.'s actions delegitimizing Israel's right to defend itself and questioned the future of U.S. funding to the U.N., highlighting that the U.S. is the largest donor to the organization, contributing one-third of its budget.

The letter accused the U.N. of taking sides against Israel instead of remaining a neutral body, emphasizing that ongoing hostility towards Israel will not be tolerated. The warning comes amidst renewed cease-fire talks following the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israeli forces.

Despite some Democrats criticizing Israel for Palestinian casualties during the conflict with Hamas, Israel has maintained consistent support in Congress. Notably, half of congressional Democrats did not attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent address to a joint session of the House and Senate.