House votes to rebuke UN on Israeli settlement resolution

The House passed a resolution on Thursday denouncing the Obama administration’s abstention from a critical United Nations Security Council vote condemning Israeli settlements.

Lawmakers of both parties supported the measure in a 342-80 vote, with four Democrats voting "present." A majority of Democrats, 109, voted for the resolution; 76 Democrats opposed it. All but four Republicans voted for the resolution.

The Obama administration drew criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike last month when it declined to veto a U.N. resolution condemning Israel’s expansion of settlements in occupied Palestinian territories as a violation of international law.

“This government, our government, abandoned our ally Israel when she needed us the most,” Speaker Paul RyanPaul Davis RyanAEI names Robert Doar as new president GOP can't excommunicate King and ignore Trump playing to white supremacy and racism House vote fails to quell storm surrounding Steve King MORE (R-Wis.) said in an animated House floor speech. “These types of one-sided efforts are designed to isolate and delegitimize Israel. They do not advance peace. They make it more elusive.”

The U.N. measure passed 14-0, with support from countries including the United Kingdom, France, China and Russia. The U.S. had the power to veto the resolution by virtue of its permanent membership in the Security Council, but opted to abstain.

The Obama administration defended its break from the longstanding U.S. policy of shielding its closest Middle Eastern ally by arguing that settlements undermine any potential path to a peace deal between the Israelis and Palestinians.

Last month’s vote was the first time the Security Council passed a resolution critical of Israel in the conflict with Palestine during Obama’s presidency. The Obama administration has used its veto power in support of Israel in the past. More resolutions opposed by Israel went forward under each of the previous four administrations.

“I think allowing governments to bully Israel in the U.N. is a mistake, no matter who’s in power,” said Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), who co-sponsored Thursday’s resolution.

Passage of the resolution is likely the beginning of lawmakers’ response to the U.N. action. Some top Republicans, such as Sen. Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzGroup aiming to draft Beto O’Rourke unveils first 2020 video Howard Dean looking for a 'younger, newer' Democratic nominee in 2020 Congress can stop the war on science MORE (R-Texas), have said they want to rescind federal funding for the U.N., though no such legislation has emerged yet.

Thursday’s vote is only the latest example of lawmakers in Congress, particularly Republicans, siding with conservative Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over President Obama.

Then-Speaker John BoehnerJohn Andrew BoehnerBreaking the impasse on shutdown, border security McCarthy, allies retaliate against Freedom Caucus leader House vote fails to quell storm surrounding Steve King MORE (R-Ohio) invited Netanyahu to address Congress in 2015 without consultation from the White House, a breach of protocol that angered administration officials and further soured the president’s relationship with the Israeli prime minister. Obama, Vice President Biden and Secretary of State John KerryJohn Forbes KerryGraham criticizes Trump canceling Pelosi trip as 'inappropriate’ Howard Dean to CNN: All Dem candidates qualified to be president except Tulsi Gabbard Not your ‘grandfather’s’ campaign: 2020 Dems look to stand out in crowded race MORE all declined to meet with Netanyahu during his visit to Washington.

Several dozen Democrats skipped Netanyahu’s speech, which largely served to warn against negotiating with Iran over its nuclear weapons, out of loyalty to the president.

Later that year, nearly 30 Democrats in both chambers voted against the international accord to curb Iran’s nuclear arsenal amid furious lobbying from pro-Israel advocates.

Members of the House Democratic leadership were split. Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) and Assistant Minority Leader Jim Clyburn (S.C.) voted against the resolution, while Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (Md.) and Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (N.Y.) joined Republicans in support.

Hoyer has said he doesn’t support Israel’s expansion of settlements but thinks the Security Council shouldn’t meddle in the conflict.

A bipartisan group of senators, led by Sen. Marco RubioMarco Antonio RubioOvernight Defense: Second Trump-Kim summit planned for next month | Pelosi accuses Trump of leaking Afghanistan trip plans | Pentagon warns of climate threat to bases | Trump faces pressure to reconsider Syria exit Pressure mounts for Trump to reconsider Syria withdrawal Senate Republicans eye rules change to speed Trump nominees MORE (R-Fla.) and Ben CardinBenjamin (Ben) Louis CardinDC train system losing 0k per day during government shutdown IRS shutdown plan fails to quell worries GOP senators would support postponing State of the Union MORE (D-Md.), introduced a similar resolution this week objecting to the U.N.’s vote. So far, no vote has been scheduled on the measure.

The Senate has been consumed with passing a budget to pave the way for repealing ObamaCare in its first week of the new Congress.