As the Israeli Knesset gears up to discuss a bill aimed at cutting ties with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), pressure from the United States is reportedly mounting against the proposed legislation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leaders, including Benny Gantz, Yair Lapid, and Avigdor Lieberman, have reportedly been urged by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jacob Lew to halt the bill.
The current legislation seeks to terminate all relations between UNRWA and Israel, including diplomatic visas for UNRWA workers and other services provided by the Israeli government.
Yulia Malinovsky, a Knesset member from the Yisrael Beiteinu party and one of the authors of the bill, labeled UNRWA as a terrorist organization with ties to Hamas. She emphasized the need to sever these connections to address the ongoing conflict.
The Biden administration recently sent a letter to Israeli leaders warning of potential consequences if the legislation passes, highlighting the impact on humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the provision of essential services to Palestinians.
While acknowledging concerns about UNRWA's involvement in terrorist activities, the U.S. emphasized the agency's vital role in providing humanitarian assistance in various regions.
Despite U.S. pressure, opposition leaders like Yair Lapid and Avigdor Lieberman have stood firm in their support for the bill, citing UNRWA's alleged role in violent incidents.
The Israeli government, including the Shin Bet security agency, has expressed reservations about UNRWA's operations, with some officials viewing the agency as a threat to national security.
Advocates for the legislation argue that dismantling UNRWA is necessary for a more stable Middle East, pointing to past incidents involving UNRWA employees.
Parents of a victim allegedly targeted by UNRWA employees have called on the government to pass the bill swiftly, linking their son's abduction to the agency's activities.
While the legislation has garnered support from various political factions, some members of the Israeli government have raised concerns about its extremity and timing, suggesting a delay until after the upcoming U.S. elections.
