Ted Cruz Proposes Drastic Move if Israel Ousted from UN Membership

Man speaking into microphone, gesturing with hand.

Senator Ted Cruz proposes that a Trump presidency would see the U.S. exit the United Nations if Israel loses its membership.

At a Glance

  • Senator Ted Cruz claims a U.S. withdrawal from the U.N. under Trump if Israel is expelled.
  • Palestinian efforts aim to isolate Israel diplomatically.
  • Cruz criticizes Biden-Harris for insufficient support for Israel.
  • Cruz demands halting U.S. funding to the U.N. if Israel is removed.
  • The warning letter is sent to U.N. Ambassador and Secretary of State.

Proposed U.S. Exit from U.N. if Israel Ousted

Texas Senator Ted Cruz has asserted that if Israel is expelled from the United Nations, Donald Trump would lead a U.S. withdrawal from the organization. This suggestion came amid escalating tensions between Israel and Palestine. The Palestinians, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, are pushing to revoke Israel’s U.N. membership over its opposition to a two-state solution. Cruz sees this as an attempt to destabilize regional balance and diverging from America’s national policy interests.

Complicating matters further, renewed conflicts began after a Hamas incursion on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant casualties. In a strong-worded critique, Cruz accused the Biden-Harris administration of not defending Israel and suggested halting U.S. contributions to the U.N. if Israel were to be expelled.

Tense Geopolitical Implications

The Palestinian Authority’s initiative to diplomatically isolate Israel poses profound implications for U.S. foreign policy. Cruz circulated a letter among lawmakers warning of a strong response if Israel’s U.N. membership is threatened. Suggesting Reagan-era strategies, the letter, addressed to U.N. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Secretary of State Tony Blinken, urges deterrent measures against the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).

“The effort to diplomatically isolate Israel is aimed at ultimately destroying the Jewish state, which is both obscene and antithetical to American national security interests.” – Ted Cruz

This letter also outlines possible consequences for U.S. relations with the U.N. and Palestinians, including reevaluating U.S.-Palestinian relations, downgrading cooperation, and reimposing sanctions on the PLO and PA.

Cruz Demands Firm U.S. Stand on Israel

Amidst these developments, Cruz argues that expelling Israel would violate the Oslo Accords which prohibit internationalizing the conflict outside bilateral negotiations. He criticized the administration’s inadequate support, using the Obama administration’s 2016 abstention on a U.N. resolution against Israeli settlements as an example. Cruz’s stance represents a broader Republican response plan to any threats of Israel’s suspension or expulsion. “The proposal by President Abbas to suspend Israel from the U.N. General Assembly would straightforwardly violate and fundamentally abrogate those commitments, in turn requiring a comprehensive reevaluation of the U.S.-Palestinian relationship.” – Cruz

Ultimately, the situation highlights the complexities surrounding U.S. diplomacy, particularly in maintaining its steadfast support for Israel amid geopolitical challenges. The ongoing tension underscores the need for a balanced national policy that aligns with U.S. interests while fostering regional stability.

Sources

1. Ted Cruz threatens to defund U.N. if Palestinians succeed with Israel expulsion effort

2. Donald Trump Must Pull US Out of UN If Israel Is Expelled: Ted Cruz