WASHINGTON – Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) are leading a bipartisan call for key U.S. allies – France, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia – to oppose a United Nations plan to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. The lawmakers argue the move would undermine ongoing negotiations and reward Hamas following the October 7th terrorist attacks against Israel.
The push comes as the UN Security Council is poised to vote on a resolution that would grant full membership to palestine, a step the U.S. officials contend would preempt direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. Stefanik and Scott released a joint statement on May 16, 2024, warning that recognizing a Palestinian state at this juncture would be detrimental to regional stability and counterproductive to achieving a lasting peace. They assert that any such recognition should only occur through direct negotiations between the parties involved.
“unilaterally recognizing a palestinian state at this time would be a grave mistake and would only serve to embolden Hamas and other terrorist organizations,” said Stefanik. Scott added, “The United States’ closest allies must stand firm with Israel and reject this dangerous attempt to undermine its security.”
The lawmakers’ statement specifically highlights the need to prioritize the release of hostages held by Hamas and to ensure the terrorist group is dismantled. They argue that recognizing a palestinian state before these conditions are met would send the wrong message to hamas and other actors who seek to destabilize the region. The UN vote is expected in the coming days.
