Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Essex, Morris, Passaic) will introduce legislation urging Congress to pass their resolution admonishing the U.N. Security Council for voting to condemn Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

“The U.N. Security Council’s condemnation of Israeli settlements and the Obama administration’s refusal to speak out against this resolution is a horrific betrayal,” Senator Pennacchio said. “While I am confident that President Elect Trump will right this wrong, we must act now to demonstrate our support for Israel, especially as the nation struggles to defend itself against unprovoked attacks on the West Bank.”

Senator Pennacchio’s resolution urges Congress to pass their resolution of disapproval of the United Nations. The congressional resolution admonishes the U.N. Security Council for voting to condemn new Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The U.N. resolution passed 14-0, with the United States abstaining. Those who oppose the resolution argue that the Security Council’s actions and the Obama administration’s decision to abstain from the vote could damage the US alliance with Israel, harm peace negotiations, and put the nation at a greater risk of Palestinian attack.

“New Jersey and Israel have always shared deep cultural and economic ties,” Senator Pennacchio added. “I implore my colleagues in the legislature to once again stand united in our support of Israel, by taking action on my resolution as soon as we return in the New Year. What has happened at the federal level is shameful. Let’s not make the same mistake in New Jersey.”