November 21, 2024 | Flash Brief

Outbound Biden Administration Backs Israel in U.S. Senate and UN Security Council

November 21, 2024 | Flash Brief

Outbound Biden Administration Backs Israel in U.S. Senate and UN Security Council

Latest Developments

• Senate Defeats Sanders as Arms Embargo Vote Fails: The U.S. Senate voted on November 20 to reject legislation proposed by Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and several other progressive senators that would block planned arms sales to Israel. The Biden administration privately lobbied against the legislation in the days preceding the vote, with one official saying that “now is not the time to send a message to Israel’s adversaries that there is a break in the relationship.”

• Gaza Ceasefire Vote Fails at the UN Security Council: The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on November 20 that called for an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Robert A. Wood said that “we made clear throughout negotiations we could not support an unconditional ceasefire that failed to release the hostages,” adding that “there are still seven American citizens in the hands of Hamas. We will not forget them.”

• Incoming Congressional Leader Denounces Anti-Israel Democrats: Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune said ahead of the Senate vote that “the refusal to have our allies’ back and the hesitation to call out antisemitism in our own country has consequences. In six weeks, Republicans will reclaim the Senate majority, and we will make clear that the United States Congress stands squarely in Israel’s corner.”

FDD Expert Response

“This week, President Biden prevented the United Nations and elements of his own party from lashing out against our democratic ally, Israel. If the president continues to stand with the Jewish state throughout the lame duck period, it will be a part of his presidential legacy and distinguish him from President Obama, who infamously allowed an unforgivable attack on the Jewish state at the United Nations in the final weeks of his own presidency.” Enia Krivine, Senior Director, Israel Program & Senior Director, National Security Network

“The Biden administration stood tall against the jackals at the United Nations, refusing to follow the herd in restraining Israel’s right to defend itself. The draft resolution would have demanded that Israel halt its operations against Hamas independent of the Iran-backed terrorist group releasing the 101 hostages being held captive in Gaza. Moreover, this latest absurdity would place the terrorist group Hamas and the State of Israel on equal footing despite Hamas’s utter disregard for morality and civilian protections. By doing so, the Security Council again vindicated Hamas’s strategy of increasing civilian suffering on both sides.”David May, Research Manager and Senior Research Analyst

“The reality today is that from the Senate to the Security Council, detractors of Israel are on offense. It’s of course welcome news that the Senate resolution failed, and the Biden administration ultimately vetoed the Security Council resolution. But why are bills supporting Israel, countering antisemitism, and pressuring Iran blocked from floor votes while no one challenges the antisemitism at the council? That’s certainly about to change when Senator Thune becomes majority leader and Representative Stefanik becomes U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.”Richard Goldberg, Senior Advisor

FDD Background and Analysis

As UN ramps up pressure on Israel, lame-duck Biden is letting history repeat,” by Richard Goldberg

Here’s how Elise Stefanik can put Trump’s America First agenda to work at the UN,” by Richard Goldberg

Israel Passes Legislation Curtailing UNRWA’s Operations,” FDD Flash Brief

Issues:

Issues:

International Organizations Israel Israel at War Military and Political Power

Topics:

Topics:

Iran Israel Hamas United Nations Barack Obama Jewish people Donald Trump United States Congress Gaza City United Nations Security Council Republican Party Democratic Party Richard Goldberg United States Senate National Security Network David N. May Bernie Sanders America First Credit Union Elise Stefanik