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House to Vote to Condemn UNSC Resolution on Israel

WASHINGTON – After the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passed resolution 2234 on December 23 castigating Israel, the House of Representatives is expected to vote on Thursday on a measure opposing the international body’s actions.

The UNSC resolution “undermined the long-standing position of the United States to oppose and veto United Nations Security Council resolutions that seek to impose solutions to final status issues,” notes the House resolution. 

On Tuesday, Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) also plans on introducing a similar measure renouncing the UNSC vote.

The Congressional measure highlights the strong support Israel receives from the legislative branch. President Obama previously ordered his UN Ambassador, Samantha Power, to abstain from the controversial resolution allowing it to pass. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) called on Congress to cut funding from the UN to protest the resolution. However, this House resolution is non-binding and would not impact the financial assistance that Washington provides for the UN.

In November, the House unanimously urged Obama to oppose any “one-sided” or “anti-Israel” measure at the international body.

Secretary of State John Kerry issued a scathing attack on Israeli policy in the West Bank during a high-profile address on December 28. Nonetheless, the House resolution calls for UNSC resolution 2234 to be “to be repealed or fundamentally altered.” At the same time, changing the resolution would require the support from all UNSC permanent members including Russia, France, and China, which is considered highly improbable.

“This Administration has lost all credibility when it comes to Israel,” House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Rep. Ed Royce, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said in a joint statement. “This Thursday, the House will not abstain from its responsibility and will vote on a bipartisan resolution reaffirming our longstanding policy in the region and support of Israel.”

AIPAC has called on Congress to voice their opposition to UNSC resolution 2234, and supports the resolution, according to an AIPAC official.

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