Fact Check: More than half of U.S. vetoes in the U.N. support Israel.

Fact Check: More than half of U.S. vetoes in the U.N. support Israel

What We Know

The claim that "more than half of U.S. vetoes in the U.N. support Israel" is supported by historical data on the use of the U.S. veto in the United Nations Security Council. As of December 2023, the United States has used its veto power a total of 89 times since 1945. Of these vetoes, 45 have been in support of resolutions that are critical of Israel, which constitutes approximately 51% of the total vetoes cast by the U.S. in the Security Council (source-5, source-6).

The U.S. has historically vetoed resolutions that criticize Israel's actions, particularly regarding its military operations and policies in Palestinian territories. For instance, the U.S. vetoed a resolution on December 8, 2023, that called for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, marking one of the more recent examples of this pattern (source-3).

Analysis

The assertion that over half of U.S. vetoes support Israel is substantiated by a comprehensive analysis of U.S. veto usage. According to various reports, the U.S. has vetoed 45 resolutions specifically related to Israel, which includes resolutions that criticize its military actions and policies towards Palestinians (source-6, source-7). This data indicates a clear trend in U.S. foreign policy, where the U.S. government prioritizes its support for Israel in the context of international resolutions.

The reliability of the sources used to support this claim is high. The data comes from credible organizations and news outlets that track U.N. activities and U.S. foreign policy. For example, the United Nations itself provides a database of vetoes, which is a primary source for understanding the historical context of U.S. actions in the Security Council (source-4). Additionally, analyses from established media outlets and think tanks provide context and interpretation of this data, further reinforcing the claim's validity.

However, it is essential to note that while the data supports the claim, interpretations of the implications of these vetoes can vary. Some may argue that the U.S. vetoes are necessary for protecting its ally, Israel, while others may view them as obstructive to peace efforts in the region.

Conclusion

The claim that more than half of U.S. vetoes in the U.N. support Israel is True. The analysis of the U.S. veto history clearly shows that 45 out of 89 vetoes, or approximately 51%, have been used to block resolutions critical of Israel, confirming the assertion. This pattern reflects a longstanding U.S. policy of supporting Israel in international forums, particularly in the context of conflicts involving Israel and Palestine.