As Israel continues to defend itself from thousands of missiles launched by Hamas from Gaza, and now more recently provocative rocket launches by Hezbollah from Lebanon, the United States must make a firm, bipartisan commitment to both the state of Israel and the Jewish people. For that reason, I introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to condemn the terrorist attacks from Hamas and to reaffirm our crucial support for the U.S.-Israeli alliance.
To date, the resolution has received support from 80 members of Congress, and that number continues to grow day by day. Most strikingly, however, is the lack of support from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. Despite efforts made by staff to reach out to several Democratic offices, not a single one has joined this resolution. We firmly believe congressional support for Israel should not a partisan action. That is why this resolution does four simple things.
First, the resolution condemns the acts of terrorism committed by Hamas against the people of the state of Israel. Hamas, an extremist organization recognized by the State Department as a terrorist group since 1997, is responsible for reprehensible military attacks on Israeli civilians and has used innocent Palestinians as human shields. The resolution’s condemnation of Hamas stays within the scope of U.S. foreign policy.
Second, the resolution recognizes Jerusalem as the legitimate capital of Israel. Also in line with current U.S. foreign policy, the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital is a crucial element of Israel’s self-determination as a state. The highest seats of the Israeli government are located in Jerusalem, including the Knesset, the Israeli Supreme Court, and the prime minister’s residence. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, from the beginning of the Biden administration, has honored this foreign policy, as evidenced by maintaining the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.
Third, the resolution supports Israel’s efforts of self-determination and collective security against external forces. As a free and sovereign state, Israel has the right to provide for its self-defense and maintain its own laws, independent of the wills of international organizations and multinational agencies. Prominent Democrats in the past have been supportive of Israel’s exercise of sovereignty, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi coming forward last week to defend Israel’s right to protect itself from Hamas terrorists.
Fourth, the resolution reaffirms support for policies and initiatives combating antisemitic behavior around the world. Since the onset of World War II, it has been the foreign policy of the U.S., quite frankly a central tenet of the modern liberal world, to support efforts to end antisemitism.
Unfortunately, many of Israel’s allies within the Democratic Party are beholden to the most fringe elements of their party. This reckless reality has made it a political taboo to support Israel and the Jewish people, with the radical socialists in the “Squad” ruthlessly attacking Israel for its defense measures after its bombardment. Rep. Rashida Tlaib said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be “held accountable for war crimes.” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted, “Biden reinforces the false idea that Palestinians instigated this cycle of violence.”
Now, President Joe Biden is giving in to this political pressure by taking a soft stance on Israel. This wishy-washy, nonchalant rhetoric will only hurt Israel and embolden the terrorists to commit more crimes against our ally.
To our colleagues on the other side of the aisle grappling with the potential political retributions from the radical Left over any support of Israel, know this: The Squad does not represent the majority of America, especially when it comes to the defense of our most important ally in the Middle East. The attacks against Israel are indefensible and full of untruths.
“Never again” is a phrase we use to cement our determination to protect the Jewish people around the world, and at a time when terrorists are threatening the existence of Israel, Democrats should be willing to join us at the table for reaffirmation of that commitment.
Carlos Gimenez represents Florida’s 26th Congressional District in the House of Representatives.
