In a firm stance, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Jim Risch and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Brian Mast issued a warning to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) regarding its consideration of a new investigative body targeting Israel. In their letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, they outlined that any support for this International Investigative Mechanism (IIM) would lead to significant repercussions, akin to those faced by the International Criminal Court (ICC) due to perceived overreach.
The call for this new authority is rooted in a push by the Palestinian Authority, intended to circumvent existing ICC investigations. Risch and Mast assert, “Any HRC member state or UN entity that supports an Israel-specific IIM in any form will face consequences.” They stress the necessity for the UNHRC to act wisely, noting its credibility with American audiences is waning.
The letter criticises the biased treatment of Israel within the UNHRC, highlighting a continual focus that undermines recognition of actual human rights violations perpetrated by groups such as Hamas. They argue, “This one-sided focus on Israel undermines the legitimate and genuine threat posed by real human rights abusers.”
Reflecting a unified congressional sentiment, Senator Lindsey Graham foresees strong opposition from Congress and the administration should the resolution pass. He ominously warned, “Any country that engages in aiding and abetting this effort will regret it.”
Mast and other committee chairs additionally urged Jürg Lauber, the HRC president, to refrain from re-appointing Francesca Albanese as rapporteur for Palestinian territories, citing her alleged bias and failing to adhere to UN impartiality standards, with accusations of antisemitism and radical comparisons of Israel’s actions to Nazi Germany and apartheid South Africa.
Senate and House leaders threaten sanctions against the UN Human Rights Council if a new body investigating Israel is formed, citing perceived bias. The Palestinian Authority’s push for this investigative mechanism follows failed sanctions against the ICC. Congressional figures allege a focus on Israel detracts from real human rights violations and warn of consequences for supporting the initiative.
The article highlights the significant opposition from U.S. Senate and House leaders towards the potential establishment of a UN investigative body for Israel. Risch and Mast’s warning emphasizes the perceived bias of the UNHRC and the implications for international diplomatic relations. The bipartisan concern reflects broader tensions surrounding Israel’s treatment in international forums, particularly relating to human rights issues.
Original Source: jewishinsider.com
