Elise Stefanik Defends Israel's Biblical Right to Judea and Samaria

During her Senate confirmation hearing to become the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) affirmed her belief in Israel’s biblical right to Judea and Samaria, sparking heated exchanges with Senate Democrats. Stefanik vowed to use her position to combat antisemitism within the U.N. and defend Israel’s sovereignty on the global stage.

“If you look at the antisemitic rot within the United Nations, there are more resolutions targeting Israel than any other country, any other crisis, combined,” Stefanik said. “We need to be a voice of moral clarity on the U.N. Security Council and at the United Nations at large for the world to hear the importance of standing with Israel.”

Stefanik pledged to follow in the footsteps of former U.N. Ambassador Daniel Patrick Moynihan, who fiercely opposed the infamous 1975 General Assembly resolution equating Zionism with racism. While that resolution was repealed in 1991, Stefanik emphasized the continued need for vigilance against U.N. biases.

The congresswoman’s stance on Israeli sovereignty drew criticism from Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), who pressed her on Palestinian self-determination and her belief that Israel has a biblical right to the entire West Bank. Stefanik confirmed her position, stating, “I believe the Palestinian people deserve so much better than the failures that they’ve had.”

Stefanik’s record on defunding the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) also drew attention. She reiterated her support for halting U.S. funding to the agency, citing allegations of its staff’s ties to Hamas and direct involvement in the October 7 attacks on Israel. The Biden administration previously paused UNRWA funding in January 2024, following these allegations.

Beyond Israel-related issues, Stefanik outlined a strong stance on countering U.S. adversaries, particularly Iran and China. Calling Iran’s potential acquisition of nuclear weapons the “most significant threat to world peace,” she advocated for reimposing sanctions to curb Tehran’s influence in the region. On China, Stefanik emphasized the need for enhanced Mandarin expertise and vigilance over Beijing’s growing dominance in U.N. technical organizations.

Stefanik’s confirmation hearing highlighted her unwavering commitment to defending Israel and U.S. interests in an increasingly polarized global arena. Her nomination marks a potential shift toward stronger advocacy for Israel and greater scrutiny of adversarial powers within the United Nations.

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