Washington, January 5 (RHC)-- U.S. Republican lawmakers in both chambers of the U.S. Congress are launching a motion to formally disapprove the recent United Nations Security Council resolution that condemned "illegal" Israeli settlements on the occupied Palestinian territories.

The move highlights the Zionist lobby's powerful influence on Capitol Hill and is a reminder of the deep support Israel has in an otherwise sharply divided Congress.  Senator Jerry Moran, a Republican from Kansas, said he will introduce a resolution in the Senate this week to express unconditional support for Israel and disapprove of the UN resolution.

"Over the last eight years, the Obama administration has made a series of blatantly misguided choices when it comes to working with our strongest ally in the Middle East," Moran said in a statement.  Moran said that he is "committed to working with both Republicans and Democrats to make sure we stand with Israel and that the United Nations cannot be used as a forum to create policies that hurt our nation and its allies."

Separately, Rep. Dennis Ross, a Republican from Florida, said he was offering a resolution in the House of Representatives condemning President Barack Obama and the UN "for their dangerous anti-Israel actions."  It is unclear when the Senate or House resolutions could get a vote.  Republican lawmakers are also threatening to introduce legislation this year to cut off U.S. funding for the UN, though the measure would likely face an uphill battle to get passed.