116 cosponsors.
Expresses “vigorous support and unwavering commitment to the welfare, security, and survival of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.” Calls on Hamas to end its “unceasing aggression” against Israel, recognize Israel’s right to exist, renounce violence, accept past agreements between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and verifiably dismantle its terrorist infrastructure. Encourages the President to support a ceasefire that prevents Hamas from “rebuilding or retaining its terrorist infrastructure including the capability to launch rockets and mortars against Israel, and thereby allowing for the long-term improvement of daily living conditions for the people of Gaza.” Calls for the protection of innocent civilians “to the maximum extent possible”, the prompt addressing of humanitarian needs in Gaza, and expresses condolences to innocent Palestinian and Israeli victims. Calls on all nations to condemn Hamas for using civilians as human shields, and to blame Hamas for both breaking the ceasefire and for all civilian casualties. Supports efforts to diminish the influence of extremists in the Palestinian territories and strengthen moderate Palestinians. Calls on Egypt to intensify efforts to end smuggling into Gaza. Calls for the release of Gilad Shalit and reiterates support for a just and sustainable resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to ensure the welfare, security, and survival of Israel.
See also: companion measure S. Res. 10 of 1/8/09; similar measure S. Res. 6 of 1/6/09; related measures H. Res. 37 of 1/9/09, H. Res. 130 of 2/4/09, H. Res. 557 of 6/18/09, and H. Res. 867 of 10/23/09. Provisions expressing Congress’ support for Israel’s right of self-defense also appear in H.R. 2410 of 5/14/09 and H.R. 2475 of 5/19/09.
Passed in House 390-5-22.