A bipartisan group of House lawmakers, led by Reps. Mike Lawler and Jared Moskowitz, have introduced a bill aimed at insulating Israel from any possible political turbulence at the United Nations. The bill would block funding from U.N. agencies that try to restrict Israel’s participation in global affairs. Lawler emphasized the importance of standing up against anti-Israel bias at the U.N. and supporting Israel, while Moskowitz highlighted the organization’s bias against Israel despite Hamas’ murder of innocent Israelis. The bill comes in response to the U.N.’s non-binding opinion ordering Israel to stop settlement construction in the West Bank and its concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid Israel’s military response to Hamas.
The bill introduced by Lawler and Moskowitz would stop funding to the U.N. or any related agency that limits Israel’s participation to a degree where it cannot fully and equally engage with other member states or entities. The bill has garnered support from two additional Democrats and 21 House Republicans, with both Democratic co-sponsors being Jewish. The introduction of the bill coincided with the start of the Democrats’ presidential nominating convention in Chicago, where anti-Israel protests have already occurred. Demonstrations in Chicago targeted Vice President Kamala Harris and called for policy changes on Gaza. Some on the left expressed outrage over the national party’s platform as it did not call for an arms embargo on Israel, leading to plans for protests by a group of delegates known as “Delegates Against Genocide.”
The bill led by Lawler and Moskowitz aims to address the biased treatment of Israel by the United Nations, particularly in light of recent events such as the U.N.’s order for Israel to cease settlement construction in the West Bank. The bipartisan support for the bill reflects a shared commitment to standing with Israel and pushing back against anti-Israel bias in global organizations. The bill’s provisions would prevent funding to U.N. agencies that restrict Israel’s participation, ensuring that Israel can engage fully and equally with other member states and entities. With additional Democratic and Republican support, the bill aligns with the broader bipartisan consensus on the need to support Israel and combat anti-Israel bias.
Against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East, the bill introduced by Lawler and Moskowitz represents a proactive effort to insulate Israel from potential political conflicts at the United Nations. The bill’s language underscores the importance of ensuring that Israel can participate fully and equally in global affairs without facing discrimination or bias. In a climate of fierce anti-Israel protests and disagreements within the Democratic Party over policy positions on Israel, the bill serves as a bipartisan initiative to support Israel and protect its interests on the international stage. By rallying support from both Democrats and Republicans, the bill highlights a united front in standing with Israel and advocating for fair treatment in global organizations.
As the United Nations faces criticism for its treatment of Israel and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the bill introduced by Lawler and Moskowitz offers a proactive solution to address anti-Israel bias and promote equality in international relations. With widespread support from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, the bill represents a bipartisan effort to stand up against discrimination and injustice targeting Israel. By blocking funding to U.N. agencies that limit Israel’s participation, the bill aims to protect Israel from unfair treatment and ensure its full engagement with other member states and entities. In a political landscape marked by rising tensions and polarization over Middle East policy, the bill provides a rare example of bipartisan cooperation in support of Israel and its rights on the global stage.
