WASHINGTON (JTA) – Resolutions in support of Israel’s right to defend itself against rocket fire from Gaza were introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives.
The House resolution, which has more than 50 bipartisan sponsors, was introduced Wednesday by Reps. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.) and Tom Cole (R-Okla.) in response to the attacks on Israel following the murder last month of three Israeli teenagers. A similar resolution in the Senate was introduced by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.).
The resolutions support Israel’s right to defend itself against what they call unprovoked rocket attacks from the terrorist group Hamas and condemn the attacks. They also call on Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, to immediately stop firing rockets on Israel.
“Despite Israel’s repeated efforts to pursue peace, Hamas has continued its policy of terror and violence against the Israeli people,” the lawmaker Israel said.
“Israel is one of America’s most important and loyal friends,” Cole added. “As the world has watched the unrest and tension reach a new height over the last several days with rockets fired into Israel by Hamas, we remain supportive of Israel’s right to combat these terrorist acts.”
