A resolution reaffirming U.S. support for Israel and condemning Hamas’ terror attacks against the Jewish state passed the Senate in a unanimous vote Thursday.
The resolution also condemned Iran for its longtime support of Hamas and other terrorist groups.
The 97-0 vote came as conflict roiled the Middle East following the Hamas terror attack on Oct. 7 that killed 1,400 people in Israel.
“As Israel faces the darkest hour of its 75-year history, the bipartisan resolution we are about to vote on proclaims that so long as there is a United States of America, the people of Israel will never stand alone,” Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, said before the vote.
Three senators did not vote: Republican presidential candidate Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Democratic Sens. Laphonza Butler of California and Richard J. Durbin of Illinois.
Mr. Schumer, who is the highest-ranking Jewish elected U.S. official, recently returned from leading a bipartisan delegation to Israel as another demonstration of support.
A bipartisan group of senators is working on an Israeli aid package that will include military and humanitarian assistance. Mr. Schumer said he hopes to pass the legislation in the coming weeks.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican, took a swipe at colleagues in both parties who questioned U.S. support for Israel and Ukraine.
“Increasingly, fringe voices on the left and right are insisting that it’s not America’s business to lead,” Mr. McConnell said. “They seem willing to accept American decline and to assume their lack of interest in history means history won’t be interested in them.”
The House has a similar resolution that’s backed by nearly all members, save for far-left Democrats such as members of the “Squad.”
However, the chamber remains paralyzed and unable to conduct legislative business since Republicans have been unable to elect a new speaker following the ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Oct. 3.
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