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U.S. Votes for Israel in OECD

The United States House of Representatives unanimously voted on a measure for the State of Israel to be included in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The House vote, with a tally of 391 to 0, illustrated the United States' support to turn Israel's economy into a fully developed market. Steny Hoyer, a high-ranking House Democrat, said, "This resolution is a very important statement by the House of Representatives that we support equal treatment for our democratic ally, the state of Israel, which too often has been the target of unequal treatment in international bodies, including the United Nations."

The OECD has 30 member nations. Israel has been trying to become a member since 2000, but has been turned down even though it meets all of the economic qualifications for membership. The House believes that by including Israel into the OECD, it will attract more foreign investment and enhance the overall global market. Other countries, such as Mexico and Great Britain, are also supportive of Israel's inclusion in the organization.

Forbes