Trump's UN Nominee Supports Israeli Biblical Claims to West Bank
Elise Stefanik, nominee for U.S. ambassador to the UN, endorses Israeli biblical claims to the West Bank, sparking diplomatic discussions.
During a Senate confirmation hearing, Elise Stefanik, the U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee for ambassador to the United Nations, confirmed her support for Israeli claims of biblical rights to the West Bank.
Stefanik's position aligns with the Israeli far-right, including figures like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
In questioning by Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, Stefanik affirmed her stance, confirming her prior statements.
This hearing underscored the tensions between the U.S. and United Nations around Israel policy, a contentious issue as the U.S. is the largest funder of the UN, contributing about $3.6 billion or 22% of its regular budget.
This position challenges the longstanding international consensus and multiple UN Security Council resolutions regarding Israeli settlements in occupied territories, aligning with the broader stance of the Trump administration.
Previous Trump-era officials, such as former Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, have also made similar declarations.
Stefanik's comments coincide with President Trump’s decision to lift U.S. sanctions on far-right settler groups in the West Bank, a move that paralleled an Israeli military operation that resulted in casualties and injuries, according to health authorities in the region.
Critics argue that Stefanik’s endorsement of biblical claims could undermine U.S. credibility as a mediator in the Middle East, potentially complicating the pursuit of a two-state solution, a cornerstone of U.S. Middle East policy.
The U.S. has been a steadfast supporter of Israel at the United Nations, often using its veto power in the Security Council to block resolutions directed at Israel.
This is part of a broader historical pattern of aligning strongly with Israeli interests across presidential administrations.
The confirmation hearing arrives at a sensitive time for U.S.-UN relations, amidst disputes over the UN's role in the Middle East conflict.
Previously, the U.S. had suspended funding to UNRWA, the agency supporting Palestinian refugees, after allegations of staff involvement in violence.
Stefanik criticized what she describes as anti-Israel bias at the UN, a stance that reflects her political evolution from a moderate Republican to a staunch defender of Trump and his policies on Capitol Hill.
Stefanik's position aligns with the Israeli far-right, including figures like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
In questioning by Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, Stefanik affirmed her stance, confirming her prior statements.
This hearing underscored the tensions between the U.S. and United Nations around Israel policy, a contentious issue as the U.S. is the largest funder of the UN, contributing about $3.6 billion or 22% of its regular budget.
This position challenges the longstanding international consensus and multiple UN Security Council resolutions regarding Israeli settlements in occupied territories, aligning with the broader stance of the Trump administration.
Previous Trump-era officials, such as former Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, have also made similar declarations.
Stefanik's comments coincide with President Trump’s decision to lift U.S. sanctions on far-right settler groups in the West Bank, a move that paralleled an Israeli military operation that resulted in casualties and injuries, according to health authorities in the region.
Critics argue that Stefanik’s endorsement of biblical claims could undermine U.S. credibility as a mediator in the Middle East, potentially complicating the pursuit of a two-state solution, a cornerstone of U.S. Middle East policy.
The U.S. has been a steadfast supporter of Israel at the United Nations, often using its veto power in the Security Council to block resolutions directed at Israel.
This is part of a broader historical pattern of aligning strongly with Israeli interests across presidential administrations.
The confirmation hearing arrives at a sensitive time for U.S.-UN relations, amidst disputes over the UN's role in the Middle East conflict.
Previously, the U.S. had suspended funding to UNRWA, the agency supporting Palestinian refugees, after allegations of staff involvement in violence.
Stefanik criticized what she describes as anti-Israel bias at the UN, a stance that reflects her political evolution from a moderate Republican to a staunch defender of Trump and his policies on Capitol Hill.