The United States voted against a recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution that officials described as biased against Israel. The resolution, which was passed by the UNGA, calls for Israel to implement recommendations from a non-binding advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). U.S. officials criticized this move, arguing it undermines substantive diplomacy at the United Nations.
According to a statement released after the vote, "Today, the United Nations General Assembly yet again passed an unserious and biased resolution, demonstrating the continued prevalence of anti-Israel bias over substantive diplomacy at the organization."
The statement referenced UN Security Council Resolution 2803, adopted under President Donald J. Trump’s administration. This earlier resolution aimed to end hostilities in Gaza and promote peace for both Gazans and Israelis. Since its adoption, humanitarian aid has increased in Gaza and efforts toward lasting peace have continued with support from the United States and its partners.
Despite these developments, U.S. officials expressed concern that the new UNGA resolution is divisive and based on false allegations. They said it distracts from ongoing diplomatic efforts: "Despite this, the UN General Assembly chose to advance a divisive, politicized resolution based on false allegations and which distracts from real-life diplomacy."
The statement also addressed concerns about international law: "The resolution asserts that Israel must implement the misguided and incorrect conclusions of a non-binding advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The use of such opinions makes a mockery of international law. Advisory opinions are not a basis for legislation, and the notion that any nation could be compelled by the UN General Assembly to work with any organization is a gross infringement on sovereignty. The United States stands with Israel in rejecting this notion entirely."
U.S. officials further rejected attempts to increase support for UNRWA—the United Nations Relief and Works Agency—accusing it of lacking oversight and accountability: "Moreover, the United States refutes every effort to empower UNRWA, a Hamas subsidiary that was complicit in the atrocities of October 7, is devoid of meaningful oversight, and continues to promote antisemitism and glorify terrorism. It is unaccountable, corrupt, and will have absolutely no place in Gaza."
Looking ahead, U.S. policy will continue focusing on implementing Security Council Resolution 2803: "The United States will continue to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2803, pursuing President Trump’s vision for a peaceful and prosperous Gaza which is no longer a launchpad for terrorism to threaten Israel, and where people in Gaza can determine their own destiny, free from the rule of terrorists."
