East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, both representing Idaho, have introduced the Stand with Israel Act alongside 32 other Senate colleagues. This proposed legislation aims to halt U.S. funding to United Nations agencies that take actions such as expelling or downgrading the participation of Israel.

"Israel’s enemies are trying to manipulate the United Nations to accomplish their misguided goals," stated Senator Crapo. He emphasized that any UN actions restricting Israel's involvement would contradict American values and global interests. "American taxpayers should have no part in funding international bodies that threaten the diplomatic security of our ally."

Senator Risch expressed strong opposition to potential changes in Israel's status at the UN, describing them as anti-Semitic. "If the UN member states allow the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization to downgrade Israel’s status at the UN, the U.S. must stop supporting the UN system," he asserted.

The bill has garnered support from several Republican senators including Tom Cotton, Chuck Grassley, Bill Cassidy, Dan Sullivan, Steve Daines, Mike Lee, Kevin Cramer, John Barrasso, Pete Ricketts, Eric Schmitt, Rick Scott, John Kennedy, Roger Wicker, Shelley Moore Capito, Marco Rubio, Joni Ernst, Ron Johnson, Markwayne Mullin, Thom Tillis, Ted Budd, Susan Collins, Tim Scott, Josh Hawley, James Lankford, John Thune, Deb Fischer, Marsha Blackburn, Katie Britt, John Hoeven , Jerry Moran , John Boozman , and Roger Marshall.

This legislative move complements a bipartisan effort in the House of Representatives led by Mike Lawler through HR 9394.

Reports suggest that there is an attempt by the Palestinian Authority (PA) to alter Israel's standing at the UN following a resolution passed on May 10th which improved PA's status within this international body. In response to these developments earlier this year Ranking Member Risch introduced another piece of legislation known as No Official Palestine Entry (NOPE) Act aimed at updating existing funding prohibitions related specifically towards entities providing additional rights or privileges for PA.

The Stand with Israel Act seeks similar objectives by cutting off funds from those UN agencies imposing restrictions upon Israeli state participation paralleling current policies denying finances toward organizations elevating PA’s role equivalent member state recognition levels.