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Obama Administration Dishonors Israel, Breaking Decades Long Tradition
Ryan Higgins, Vice President of National Engagement, My Faith Votes
December 29, 2016
For the first time in thirty-six years, the United States has refused to protect Israel’s borders.
On December 23, 2016, in a blatant and dishonoring move and under the cover of the holiday weekend, the United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to pass U.N. Resolution 2334 which condemns Israel for its settlement growth in Eastern Jerusalem.
Israeli-Palestinian Israeli-settlements have not been a part of any U.N. resolutions since 1980 – until now and with the help of the Obama administration.
Both Prime Minister Netanyahu and his spokesperson, David Keyes, have accused the Obama administration of “colluding behind the scenes” to “gang-up” on Israel at the U.N. Keyes stated that he is confident “beyond a shadow of a doubt” that the Obama administration acted to push and pass this resolution, stating “I have seen the evidence with my own eyes.”
The United States had the power to veto this resolution, but instead, abstained from the vote altogether. In a press conference yesterday, Secretary of State John Kerry defended the decision, saying that in the interest of preserving a “just and lasting peace,” the U.S. could not “in good conscience” stand in the way of the resolution.
The resolution states “any changes to the 4 June 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem” have “no legal validity and [constitute] a flagrant violation under international law.” In this one sentence, the U.N. declares the Western Wall and the Temple Mount (two of the most holy sites for the Christian and Jewish faiths, which were founded 19 years before Christ) property of the Palestinians.
The news is that no future president, including President-elect Trump, can simply undo this UN resolution. A U.N. resolution once enacted cannot be rescinded unless there is a majority vote against it. Obama’s failure to veto this resolution ties the hands of his successors, making it far more difficult for his successors to encourage the Palestinians to accept Israel’s offer to negotiate with no preconditions.
Let’s remember what the Bible says about His chosen people. In at least fifty-two separate occasions, the Bible refers to the need for nations to protect Israel – including the first book of the Bible when it warns “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse…” (Genesis 12:3).
The U.S. abstention on the U.N. Security Council resolution allowed the measure to pass, and it leaves many Christians concerned that the Lord will consider this action “dishonoring” to Israel and will remove His blessing from our nation as His word declares.
I’m sure all who read this understand the significance and importance of this issue, but you may be asking “what can we do about it?” First, be reminded the power is always in your hands. You have the power to vote leaders in and out of office. My Faith Votes is a proud supporter of Israel and we encourage you, as Christians, to vote for candidates who pledge to support Israel and vote out of office those who do not.
Do you want to do something more? Call the two people directly responsible for this resolution who failed to take a stand and express your support for Israel. You will find their contact information below.
Secretary of State John Kerry
202.647.9572
US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power
212.415.4000, option 6 or 0
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My Faith Votes—is a nonpartisan movement that motivates, equips and activates Christians in America to vote in every election, transforming our communities and influencing our nation with biblical truth. By partnering with national faith leaders, My Faith Votes provides resources to help Christians Pray, Think, and Act to create an America where God is honored in the public square.
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