By: Fern Sidman

Michael Waltz, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, sharply criticized the UN’s treatment of Israel during his Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday. According to a report that appeared at VIN News, Waltz, a Republican congressman from Florida and a former Green Beret, used his opening remarks to outline a forceful stance against what he described as systemic anti-Israel bias within the international body.

As VIN News reported, Waltz’s testimony singled out the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for particular scrutiny. Echoing longstanding concerns from pro-Israel lawmakers and advocacy groups, Waltz accused the agency of fostering extremism and maintaining direct ties with terrorist organizations. “UNRWA, with staff who took part in the October 7 massacre and schools that promote antisemitic hate, must be shut down,” Waltz declared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, referencing the deadly Hamas-led attacks on Israel last year.

Waltz’s statements align closely with the Trump administration’s broader skepticism toward multilateral organizations, especially those perceived to be operating against U.S. interests or those of close American allies such as Israel. He emphasized that if confirmed, he would pursue a thorough reassessment of American financial contributions to the United Nations, aiming to ensure that every dollar spent serves clear American foreign policy objectives.

“Too many UN agencies act against the United States and our allies,” Waltz said, as reported by VIN News. “That ends now.” His remarks underscore a commitment to reassert U.S. influence within the UN system while challenging the legitimacy of agencies viewed as biased or ineffective.

Addressing questions from senators regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Waltz expressed a nuanced understanding of the humanitarian situation but laid the blame squarely on Hamas for perpetuating violence in the region. As the VIN News report noted, Waltz stated, “I understand the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. But I will say over and over again, if Hamas would lay down their arms, if they would surrender, if they would stop sacrificing their own people, the fighting would stop today.”

Waltz’s comments reflect a position consistently articulated by the Trump administration: that Israel’s military actions are acts of self-defense necessitated by Hamas’s aggression and use of civilian areas for militant operations. Waltz pledged that, if confirmed, he would work to ensure that Israel is treated fairly within the UN system and that anti-Israel rhetoric and resolutions would face staunch opposition from the United States delegation.

The confirmation hearing also highlighted the strategic priorities of the Trump administration in its approach to international institutions. Waltz reiterated that confronting bias against Israel at the UN would be a central aspect of his mission. VIN News quoted Waltz as stating his intention to hold the UN accountable to its own founding principles while advocating vigorously for the interests of the United States and its democratic allies.

Waltz’s candidacy represents a continuation of President Trump’s broader foreign policy agenda, particularly in relation to the UN’s stance on Middle East affairs. Under the Trump administration, U.S. policy has frequently challenged UN bodies and resolutions perceived as disproportionately critical of Israel or favorable to hostile actors like Hamas.

The nominee’s sharp criticism of UNRWA echoes earlier moves by the Trump administration, which previously suspended U.S. funding to the agency, citing concerns about transparency, accountability, and ties to terrorism. As the VIN News report recalled, these concerns have been a point of contention between U.S. administrations, with Trump’s approach marking a significant departure from prior policies of engagement and funding support.

Waltz also addressed broader questions about the role of the United Nations in addressing global conflicts and crises. According to the information provided in the VIN News report, he pledged that as ambassador, he would press the UN not only to uphold international law but also to eliminate practices and agencies that undermine peace efforts or legitimize terrorist organizations.

The hearing concluded with Waltz reaffirming his commitment to defend both American values and the security interests of key allies, with Israel foremost among them. Waltz vowed to use his platform at the United Nations to challenge double standards, expose bias, and ensure that American contributions to the organization yield tangible diplomatic results.

Senators on the committee offered mixed reactions to Waltz’s testimony. While several praised his forthrightness and alignment with Trump administration priorities, others questioned how such a combative approach might impact broader U.S. diplomatic efforts at the UN. Nevertheless, the VIN News report emphasized that Waltz’s stance resonated strongly with members of the pro-Israel advocacy community, who have long criticized the UN for its handling of Israeli affairs.

As the confirmation process advances, Waltz’s nomination will likely serve as a litmus test for the Trump administration’s posture toward multilateral engagement and its resolve in confronting perceived anti-Israel bias within global institutions. Whether his appointment will lead to substantive changes at the United Nations remains a topic of close observation by both international analysts and U.S. lawmakers.