Senate Resolution Expressing Solidarity with Israel
and Reaffirming Commitment to Israel's Right to Self-Defense

(Senate Resolution 247)

(April 22, 2002)

Mr. LIEBERMAN (for himself, Mr. SMITH of Oregon, Mr. DASCHLE, Mr.CLELAND, and Ms. COLLINS) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

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.