Senate Resolution Expressing Solidarity
with Israel
(April 22, 2002)
In April 2002, during Operation Defensive Shield led by Israel to uncover and destroy Palestinian terror networks in the West Bank, the Senate passed S.Res.247 expressing solidarity
with Israel in its fight against terrorism.
The resolution has 67 bipartisan cosponsors and passed by overwhelming vote of 94-0 with 6 abstentions or not voting. The House of Representatives passed an identical resolution in May 2002. The text of the resolution follows:
S. Res. 247
Expressing solidarity with
Israel in its fight against terrorism.
Whereas the United States and Israel are
now engaged in a common struggle against terrorism
and are on the frontlines of a conflict thrust
upon them against their will;
Whereas President George W. Bush declared
on November 21, 2001, `We fight the terrorists
and we fight all of those who give them aid.
America has a message for the nations of the
world: If you harbor terrorists, you are terrorists.
If you train or arm a terrorist, you are a
terrorist. If you feed a terrorist or fund
a terrorist, you are a terrorist, and you
will be held accountable by the United States
and our friends.'; and
Whereas the United States has committed to
provide resources to states on the frontline
in the war against terrorism: Now, therefore,
be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) stands in solidarity with Israel, a
frontline state in the war against terrorism,
as it takes necessary steps to provide security
to its people by dismantling the terrorist
infrastructure in the Palestinian areas;
(2) remains committed to Israel's right
to self-defense;
(3) will continue to assist Israel in strengthening
its homeland defenses;
(4) condemns Palestinian suicide bombings;
(5) demands that the Palestinian Authority
fulfill its commitment to dismantle the
terrorist infrastructure in the Palestinian
areas;
(6) urges all Arab states, particularly
the United States' allies, Egypt and Saudi
Arabia, to declare their unqualified opposition
to all forms of terrorism, particularly
suicide bombing, and to act in concert with
the United States to stop the violence;
and
(7) urges all parties in the region to
pursue vigorously efforts to establish a
just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in
the Middle East.
Sources: Library of Congress |