The US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a measure yesterday that rebukes the UN for criticising Israeli settlements, as Republicans used the debate to accuse President Barack Obama of turning his back on the Jewish state.
The house voted 342-80 for the non-binding resolution that declares unwavering support for Israel and insists the US reject any future UN actions that are similarly “one-sided and anti-Israel”.
“Our government abandoned our ally Israel when she needed us the most,” said house Speaker Paul Ryan. “It is time to repair the damage done by this misguided hit job at the UN.”
The measure divided Democrats. Nearly 80 opposed the measure because they said it contained inaccuracies and distorted the Middle East peace process. They also accused Republicans of attacking Mr Obama unfairly in the waning days of his presidency.
“The point of the measure seems to be to bash Obama on the way out,” said congressman Gerry Connolly, who along with many other Democrats still voiced strong support for Israel.
They said Mr Obama deserved credit for engineering last year’s long-term security agreement that gives Israel $US38 billion in US military aid, including $US5bn for missile defences.
Read the full article by AP at The Australian.