Israel prides itself on never leaving a soldier behind
A coalition of 20 Republican senators, led by Senator Jim Risch of Idaho — ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee — has introduced the Stand with Israel Act, a bill that seeks to cut off American funding to any United Nations agency that suspends, expels, downgrades, or otherwise curtails Israel’s participation.
This is not a symbolic move. The United States currently bankrolls between 22 percent and 25 percent of the UN’s annual operating budget — roughly $13 billion in the most recent fiscal year. Of that, more than $400 million goes to UNRWA, an organization long accused by critics of supporting terrorism under the guise of humanitarian work.
The Republican push comes at a time when the Trump administration appears to be recalibrating its approach to the Middle East. There’s increasing friction between Washington and Jerusalem, despite the usual rhetoric of friendship. Among the flashpoints: a nuclear deal with Iran that’s back on the table, a regional tour by Trump that conspicuously skipped Jerusalem, and a ceasefire in Yemen with the Iran-backed Houthis — leaving Israel to contend with that front alone.
Mishpacha spoke with Senator Risch regarding the proposed legislation and asked about broader US-Israel relations.
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