Peace Garden News

Senators John Hoeven and Jim Risch, along with 32 other Senate colleagues, have introduced the Stand With Israel Act. This legislation aims to cut off U.S. funding to United Nations agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, or restrict Israel's participation. The move is a response to reports suggesting that the Palestinian Authority may attempt to lower Israel’s status at the UN following a resolution passed by the UN General Assembly on May 10, 2024.

Hoeven emphasized the importance of supporting Israel as a key ally in maintaining global security: “Without Israel’s partnership, terrorists, extremists, and authoritarians would run rampant across the Middle East, threatening global security and positioning themselves to target the United States directly.”

Risch expressed strong opposition to any attempts to alter Israel's status at the UN: “Any attempt to alter Israel’s status at the UN is clearly antisemitic. If UN member states allow the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization to downgrade Israel’s status at the UN, the United States must stop supporting the UN system, as it would clearly be beyond repair. I am disgusted this outrageous idea has even been discussed and will do all I can to ensure any changes to Israel’s status will come with consequences.”

The legislation has garnered support from several senators including Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Thom Tillis (N.C.-N.C.), Ted Budd(N.C.-N.C.) Susan Collins(R-Maine) Tim Scott(R-S.C.) Josh Hawley(R-Mo.) James Lankford(R-Okla.) John Thune(R-S.D.) Deb Fischer(R-Neb.) Marsha Blackburn(R-Tenn.) Katie Britt(R-Ala.) Jerry Moran(R-Kan.) John Boozman(R-Ark.) Roger Marshall(R-Kan.).