Indy Standard

U.S. Senators Todd Young and Ted Cruz have expressed opposition to a Palestinian initiative to suspend Israel from participating in the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. They communicated their concerns through a letter addressed to U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

The senators outlined potential consequences if Israel were suspended, which include reducing American funding and participation in various UN entities, as well as reassessing the U.S.-Palestinian relationship. The letter states, “America’s participation in international organizations is predicated on that participation advancing American national security interests. America’s global security architecture is at the core of those interests and Israel is America’s closest ally in the Middle East, a geopolitically critical region.”

They emphasized that isolating Israel diplomatically could harm American national security interests. The letter further warned of steps like limiting U.S. involvement with UN bodies where the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) participates.

Regarding U.S.-Palestinian relations, they noted historical agreements like the Oslo Accords and stated that suspending Israel would violate these commitments. “We would pursue such a reevaluation,” they wrote, potentially ending assistance to Palestinian territories and closing related offices within the U.S. government.

Other senators supporting this stance include Rick Scott, Dan Sullivan, Marco Rubio, John Barrasso, Pete Ricketts, Roger Wicker, Tim Scott, Deb Fischer, and Tommy Tuberville.

In addressing sanctions on PLO and PA due to terrorism-related concerns, they indicated possible expansion of these measures should actions against Israel proceed.

The full content of their communication underscores their readiness to provide resources necessary for advancing U.S. national security interests.