Senate passes resolution supporting Israel

The Senate passed a resolution Tuesday that states the Senate’s support of Israel’s right to defend itself from Hamas rocket attacks and condemns a “bias” United Nation’s report.

S.Res. 526 was passed through a unanimous consent agreement. The resolution also condemns a United Nation’s Human Right Council report that stated Israel had committed human rights violations against the Palestinian people.

{mosads}Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said that U.N. report was “disgusting” and failed to recognize that Israel is defending itself from attacks started by Hamas, a terrorist organization.

“I’ve always been a supporter of the U.N. but what I saw last week disgusted me,” Reid said of the report. “It was so one-sided.”

Reid said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was a cosponsor of the resolution.

Earlier Tuesday, McConnell led Senate Republicans in condemning Hamas’ recent attacks against Israel.

“Republicans are united in our support of Israel’s defense, and this morning my colleagues will explain our opposition to any effort to force a ceasefire on Israel that does not further its security objectives,” McConnell said. “Israel’s right to defend itself should be affirmed.”

Israel has come under heavy fire from Hamas rockets and has launched a ground offensive in Gaza to destroy tunnels used by Hamas. 

“I condemn Hamas terrorism,” Reid said. “We stand with Israel and its right to defend itself.”