A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States supports Israel, our greatest ally in the region, and its right to defend itself against terrorist attacks.

III 117TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION S. RES. 226 Expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States supports Israel, our greatest ally in the region, and its right to defend itself against terrorist attacks. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES MAY 19, 2021 Mr. SCOTT of Florida (for himself, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. TILLIS, Mr. BRAUN, Mr. BOOZMAN, Mr. HOEVEN, Mr. COTTON, Ms. ERNST, Mrs. CAPITO, Mr. CRUZ, Mr. YOUNG, Ms. LUMMIS, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. BARRASSO, Mr. HAWLEY, Mr. TUBERVILLE, Mr. RUBIO, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. JOHN- SON, Mr. HAGERTY, Mr. THUNE, Mr. MORAN, Mrs. HYDE-SMITH, Mr. GRASSLEY, Mr. MARSHALL, Mr. LANKFORD, Mr. CRAPO, Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina, Mr. INHOFE, Mr. SULLIVAN, and Mr. DAINES) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States supports Israel, our greatest ally in the region, and its right to defend itself against terrorist attacks. Whereas the United States designated Hamas as a terrorist organization on October 8, 1997; Whereas Hamas, a terrorist organization, seized power of Gaza in 2007; Whereas Hamas continues to control Gaza and to work alongside other terror groups to attack Israeli civilians, VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:53 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR226.IS SR226 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 2 •SRES 226 IS while refusing to recognize Israel or to attempt to nego- tiate peace; Whereas in May of 2021, Hamas and its Palestinian terrorist allies in Gaza, which are funded by Iran, have launched the largest barrage of rockets into Israel in decades, tar- geting Israeli civilians and cities, including Jerusalem, Israel’s capital; Whereas the State of Israel is a key ally and a strategic part- ner of the United States; Whereas, since Israel’s founding in 1948, Congress has re- peatedly expressed our Nation’s unwavering commitment to the security of Israel; and Whereas cooperation between Israel and the United States is of great importance: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate— 1 (1) opposes the escalating and indiscriminate 2 rocket attacks by Hamas against Israel; 3 (2) mourns the loss of innocent life caused by 4 Hamas’ rocket attacks; 5 (3) urges continued and steadfast support for 6 Israel, because we have no greater ally in our efforts 7 to preserve peace and secure our interests in the 8 Middle East; 9 (4) affirms its unwavering commitment to our 10 ally, Israel, and its right to defend itself and its ci- 11 vilians against terror by whatever means necessary 12 VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:53 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\SR226.IS SR226 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 3 •SRES 226 IS to stop the murder of Israeli citizens and foreign na- 1 tionals residing in Israel; 2 (5) supports and stands with Israel as it de- 3 fends its people from these reprehensible terrorist 4 attacks; and 5 (6) reaffirms its strong support for Israel’s 6 right to peace and security. 7 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:53 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\SR226.IS SR226 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS