Affirming United States support for the State of Israel's right to defend itself from terrorist attacks.

Bill: 116-hres-727
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
Introduced: 2019-11-21
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Arab-Israeli relations

Conflicts and wars

Firearms and explosives

Foreign aid and international relief

Gaza Strip

Israel

Middle East

Military assistance, sales, and agreements

Palestinians

Terrorism
Latest action: action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Summaries:
action_date: 2019-11-21
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p>This resolution reaffirms the commitment of the United States to Israel's security and expresses support for Israel's right to defend itself against terrorist groups. The resolution also expresses concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza.</p>

tv_txt: IV 116th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 727 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES November 21, 2019 Mr. Gottheimer (for himself, Mr. Zeldin , Mr. Brindisi , Mr. Van Drew , Mrs. Lee of Nevada , Mr. McAdams , Mrs. Luria , Mr. Schneider , Mrs. Murphy of Florida , Mr. Suozzi , Mr. Rose of New York , and Mr. Deutch ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Affirming United States support for the State of Israel’s right to defend itself from terrorist attacks.

Whereas Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) was designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the Secretary of State on October 8, 1997; Whereas PIJ receives considerable support, including training, weapons, and cash, from Iran, which was designated as a state sponsor of terrorism by the Secretary of State on January 19, 1984; Whereas PIJ is dedicated to destroying Israel and has claimed credit for multiple terrorist attacks in Israel, including an attack that killed New Jersey student, Alisa Flatow; Whereas PIJ commander Baha Abu al-Ata was directly responsible for hundreds of terrorist attacks and was planning an imminent attack against Israeli civilians; Whereas Israel, like every other sovereign nation, has a responsibility to protect its citizens and defend them from terrorist attacks; Whereas, since January 2018, PIJ and other terrorist groups in Gaza have fired more than 2,000 rockets at Israel; Whereas, between November 12 and 14, 2019, PIJ terrorists in Gaza launched more than 450 rockets at Israel, evacuating homes, schools, and hospitals, and forcing innocent Israelis to flee to bomb shelters; Whereas Iron Dome batteries and interceptors helped save countless lives in Israel and the region; Whereas, on November 14, 2019, rockets from Gaza were fired at Israel in violation of a cease-fire negotiated by Egypt and the United Nations; and Whereas terrorist groups, including PIJ, have repeatedly chosen to perpetuate and escalate violent conflict by firing rockets at innocent civilians in Israel: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1) condemns the illegal and indiscriminate firing of rockets at Israel; (2) supports Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist groups; (3) commends the United States commitment to Israel’s security, including military assistance for the Iron Dome missile defense system; and (4) reaffirms the United States strong concern with the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.