Pulaski Times

U.S. Senator John Boozman of Arkansas has joined forces with Senator Jim Risch from Idaho, along with 32 other colleagues, to introduce the Stand with Israel Act. This legislation aims to halt U.S. funding to United Nations agencies that may expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise limit Israel's participation.

"As one of our closest friends and allies, the United States remains firm in our support for Israel and its right to defend itself," stated Boozman. He expressed concern over "the Palestinian Authority’s reported intent to jeopardize Israel’s standing at the UN" and affirmed his commitment to condemning any efforts against Israel's full participation.

Risch emphasized the severity of any attempts to alter Israel's status at the UN by stating, "Any attempt to alter Israel’s status at the UN is clearly antisemitic." He warned that if such actions were permitted by UN member states, it would necessitate a withdrawal of U.S. support for the UN system.

The bill has garnered significant support from various senators including Tom Cotton (R-AR), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mike Lee (R-UT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), John Barrasso (R-WY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), John Kennedy (R-LA) among others. Congressman Mike Lawler from New York introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

This legislative move comes amid reports suggesting that the Palestinian Authority plans to downgrade Israel's status at the UN following a resolution passed on May 10, 2024, which enhanced the PA's standing within the organization. The Stand with Israel Act seeks to counteract these developments by cutting off financial support from U.S. sources to any UN entities restricting Israeli participation.