Even though Congress is in summer recess, more than half of the 435 members of the House have joined in a resolution that urges the U.S. government to consider withdrawal from the United Nations General Assembly if Israel is “expelled or suspended” from it.
The resolution, which was introduced by House Democratic leader, Rep. Thomas O’Neill of Massachusetts prior to the recess for the month of August, now has 232 signers. Thirteen other Congressmen have announced they will sign the resolution when they return to Washington, This brings the total support to 245 members. The co-sponsors include the three top leaders of both the Republican and Democratic Parties in the House. The 165 Democrats and 80 Republican supporters are from 42 states.
It is expected that other members will join the list when Congress reconvenes Sept. 3 and acts upon the resolution shortly thereafter. The General Assembly will meet the following week in New York in a special session on economic issues. It is at that time that the Arab bloc is expected to move against Israel to climax its campaign to isolate the Jewish State from international organizations. The Arabs have been campaigning among Third World and Communist countries on this particular issue.
The O’Neill resolution states 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, as one of Its options, to possible withdrawal from that body.” The resolution takes in-to account the possibility that the Arab bloc and its allies may desist from demanding Israel’s expulsion in view of the upsurge of opposition in Western countries against such action.
The Senate on July 18 adopted without dissent a resolution stating that the U.S. will “not tolerate any attempts to expel” Israel from the UN. That resolution was introduced by Republican leader Hugh Scott of Pennsylvania with 56 sponsors. Senate sources said that while the Scott resolution does not mention “suspension” the language regarding “attempts” to expel would probably embrace “suspension” and bring quick Senate action against Israel’s enemies.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
