Peace Garden News

During a United Nations emergency special session in May, the General Assembly adopted a resolution upgrading Palestine to a "Permanent Observer State." This change allows Palestine to participate more fully in U.N. proceedings, potentially affecting Israel's status within the organization.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), part of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced plans to introduce the Stand with Israel Act when Congress reconvenes. The proposed legislation aims to stop U.S. funding to U.N. agencies that might expel, downgrade, suspend, or restrict Israel's participation.

Senator Cramer stated, "The United States must unequivocally support Israel’s right to defend itself," emphasizing that any negative actions against Israel at the U.N. should result in withholding American taxpayer funds.

Ranking Member Risch added his concerns about potential changes to Israel's status at the UN, labeling such moves as anti-Semitic. He remarked on his commitment to ensuring consequences for any alterations to Israel's standing.

The Stand with Israel Act has garnered endorsements from various organizations including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and Christians United for Israel. It also has numerous cosponsors among Republican senators like John Barrasso (R-WY) and Marco Rubio (R-FL).