More Blowback After Stunning U.N. Resolution Vote
The United Nations may be facing consequences after passing a resolution condemning Israeli settlements on lands the country has been in possession of since 1967.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is making his response to the vote very clear to the world.
“I instructed the Foreign Ministry to complete within a month a re-evaluation of all our contacts with the United Nations, including the Israeli funding of U.N. institutions and the presence of U.N. representatives in Israel,” Netanyahu said in response to the U.N. resolution. “I have already instructed to stop about 30 million shekels ($7.8 million) in funding to five U.N. institutions, five bodies, that are especially hostile to Israel … and there is more to come,” he stated.
The Israeli leader is furious over the resolution and is vowing repercussions. He also is unhappy the Obama White House would let such a resolution pass. U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power chose to abstain instead of voting against the measure. Many see the move as a final snub to Netanyahu before Obama retires.
Israelis aren’t the only ones livid over the move. Republicans on Capitol Hill are also vowing a change when they obtain full control in January. They are also mulling consequences of their own.
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham made some serious suggestions over the weekend.
“We abandoned Israel,” Graham said in a CNN interview. “I am a huge supporter of foreign aid and the U.N. … but I can't support funding a body that singles out the only democracy in the Middle East who shares our values.”
“If the United Nations moves forward with the ill-conceived resolution, I will work to form a bipartisan coalition to suspend or significantly reduce United States assistance to the United Nations,” Graham added. “In addition, any nation which backs this resolution and receives assistance from the United States will put that assistance in jeopardy,” he added.
The United Nations could afford to lose some funding from Israel, but if a new American government in January decides to cut funding… that would be a serious problem for the international body.
Speaker Paul Ryan called the vote “absolutely shameful” and promised a unified Republican government will work to repair the damage done to American-Israeli relations.
“Today's vote is a blow to peace that sets a dangerous precedent for further diplomatic efforts to isolate and demonize Israel,” Ryan stated. “Our unified Republican government will work to reverse the damage done by this administration, and rebuild our alliance with Israel.”
Ryan’s remarks should prove to be true. The president-elect himself said change is coming.
Update: Sen. Ted Cruz announced he had spoken with Netanyahu and pledged his support. Cruz also called for the pulling of funds to the U.N. until the resolution is reversed.
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