Senate resolution condemns Hamas kidnapping

Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) introduced a resolution that would reaffirm Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist attacks by Hamas.

Before senators left town on Friday for a five-week August recess, Graham and Menendez introduced S. Res. 537, which blasts Hamas’ violation of the latest cease-fire and calls on the United Nations Secretary General to condemn Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel.

{mosads}“This resolution thoroughly points out the cease-fire breach by Hamas, the preplanned attack on the Israeli column during the cease-fire, the capturing of a soldier. We are condemning this activity as a breach of international law,” Graham said on the Senate floor. “This resolution would give the moral voice of our nation and the Senate to the cause Israel faces.”

The resolution also calls on the Palestinian Authority to dissolve its unity government with Hamas and says Israel should do everything it can to remove the threat of Hamas’ rocket attacks and tunnels used for kidnappings.

On Saturday, the Israeli military announced the death of the kidnapped soldier.

Last week, Congress passed legislation to provide $225 million for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, which is used to intercept Hamas rocket attacks. Graham said he had hoped the Senate would also pass the resolution on Friday, but it hasn’t acted yet.

Israel has been battling Hamas for weeks.

“The real root of the problem is Hamas,” Graham said. “Hamas is trying to kill every Israeli possible. … Thank God for the Iron Dome.”