80 Lawmakers Co-sponsor Resolution Urging U.S. to Consider Withdrawing from the UN if Israel is Expe

Thomas O’Neill of Massachusetts, House Democratic leader, said today that more than 80 Representatives have signed a resolution as co-sponsors urging the United States to consider withdrawing from the UN General Assembly if Israel is expelled. He said that more co-sponsors are expected before the resolution is introduced “soon” in the House.

Among the co-signers so far are House Republican leader John Rhodes of Arizona; Benjamin Rosenthal (D. NY), Jonathan Bingham (D.NY), Gary Brown (R.Mich.), Clair W. Burgener (R. Cal.), Henry A. Waxman (D. Cal.), William M. Ketchum (R.Cal.), Charles A. Mosher (R.Cal.), Samuel L.Devine (R.Cal.), and Frank Annunzio (D.Ill.).

In a letter seeking support for the resolution, O’Neill stated that “various constituent agencies of the United Nations are being used to further belligerent purposes by certain states hostile to Israel.” The lawmaker said the resolution was prompted by Israel’s exclusion from UNESCO and by reports that the Arab nations are mounting an effort to expel Israel from the Assembly when the world body convenes in September.

The resolution stated that the House strongly disapproves of the effort by certain nations to expel Israel from the Assembly, and added that if Israel “is expelled or suspended” the U.S. government “should reassess its relationship with and commitments to the United Nations General Assembly, looking to its possible withdrawal from that body.” Congress must approve all funds paid by the U.S. toward the UN operation. Secretary of State Henry. A. Kissinger warned earlier this month that the U.S. would reconsider its support of the UN if Israel were expelled.