WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) this week co-sponsored the Safeguard Israel Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) to cut off funding from the United Nations until the president certifies to Congress that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2334 has been repealed. The UN resolution, which passed last month due to the Obama Administration’s abstention on the matter, undermines and delegitimizes U.S. ally Israel.

“As a steadfast supporter of Israel, I am deeply troubled by the UN’s resolution condemning one of our greatest allies. I cannot allow our taxpayer dollars to continue funding an organization that has taken such destructive action against a critical friend and democracy in the Middle East,” said Senator Capito. “I stand with my colleagues and urge the UN’s swift action to repeal the resolution.”

The Safeguard Israel Act outlines numerous reasons why UNSC Resolution 2334 should be repealed, including: 

  • It attempts to pre-judge the basis for negotiations, predetermine the outcome of negotiations, and dictate terms and conditions, which is an abandonment of long-standing policy of the United States and previous commitments made to Israel.
  • It falsely claims that Israel’s sovereignty over the eastern part of Jerusalem and Jewish communities in the West Bank are illegal under international law, and that the Old City of Jerusalem, along with the Temple Mount, the holiest site for the Jewish people, and the Western Wall are ‘‘occupied Palestinian territory.’’
  • It encourages the International Criminal Court to open an illegitimate formal investigation against Israel.
  • It will help to strengthen the Palestinian diplomatic, economic, and legal warfare campaign against Israel and encourages boycotts, divestments, and sanctions against Israel.

The United States is the largest contributor of funding to the United Nations, providing 22 percent of the U.N. regular budget, the highest of any member state, which gives the U.S. considerable influence over the United Nations. The United States must use this influence to help our allies, in this case Israel, which is crucial to our own national security interests.

Click here to view the Safeguard Israel Act bill text.

###