UN Increases Pressure on Israel Amid Biden’s Failure to Intervene

At the UN Security Council this week, the outgoing Democratic administration is considering opportunities to support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign against Israel.

Members of Congress from both parties should respond with one word President Biden knows well: Don’t.

Eight years ago, the Obama administration guided a Security Council resolution that deemed Israel’s settlements in Judea, Samaria, and parts of Jerusalem a violation of international law, including near the Western Wall.

The resolution passed with a 14-0 vote, and the United States chose to abstain rather than use its permanent member veto.

This move aimed to restrict the incoming Trump administration, confining it to a failed peace paradigm and pressuring Israel to relinquish territory to the Palestinian Authority, which teaches anti-Semitic ideologies to its children and rewards terrorists.

Trump, however, was not limited by the UN’s actions. His administration took steps such as moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, stating that Israeli settlements were not inherently illegal, and urging the Palestinian Authority to cease its support for terror activities.

Trump also defunded the UN Relief and Works Agency and withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council, both known for promoting anti-Semitism.

In addition, Trump facilitated Arab-Israeli normalization agreements without insisting on a Palestinian state.

The Biden administration took a different approach, resuming funding to UNRWA despite its collaborations with Hamas, rejoining the Human Rights Council, and linking future normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia to Palestinian statehood.

Before Oct. 7, an event should have served as a reminder that there are consequences for supporting those who plan genocide. However, the Biden administration continued its actions, even with evidence showing UNRWA’s ties to Hamas.

Biden reversed Trump’s stance on settlements, aligning with the 2016 Security Council resolution. He also issued an executive order that involved the BDS campaign against Israeli entities.

As Trump’s return to office approaches, Israel’s critics are intensifying their efforts. The Security Council is deliberating a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza without requiring Hamas to release its hostages, while also endorsing UNRWA’s role in humanitarian aid in Gaza.

It should be expected that Washington will veto this pro-Hamas resolution. Further resolutions may follow, possibly aiming to pressure Israel and promote Palestinian statehood.

If Democrats want to avoid further anti-Semitic actions, they should urge Biden to cease hostilities toward Israel during his final days in office.

Republicans should also caution the United Nations about future actions, as a new administration with the power to defund and impose sanctions is coming in 60 days.

Richard Goldberg is a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.