The U.S. Congress on Thursday overwhelmingly passed resolutions of solidarity with Israel, despite the Bush administration's misgivings the measures could interfere with Middle East peace efforts.
The Democratic-led Senate voted 94-2 for a resolution saying the United States and Israel were "engaged in a common struggle against terrorism," and condemned Palestinian suicide bombings.
According to Reuters, the Republican-led House voted 352-21, with 29 voting present, on a more strongly worded resolution accusing Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat of supporting “terrorism.”
Bush administration had tried to stall the resolutions, fearing they would generate more anger and resentment in Arab states. But with Congress determined to act, the White House put the best face on the votes, saying they were coming at a less sensitive stage in the negotiations.
Senator Joseph Lieberman, a Connecticut Democrat who crafted the Senate measure, said it was intended to put the chamber "on record in support of Israel's right to self defense."
"Let every terrorist know, the American people will never abandon freedom, democracy or Israel," said House Majority Whip Tom DeLay, a Texas Republican who pushed the resolution along with Rep. Tom Lantos of California, top Democrat on the House International Relations Committee. (Albawaba.com)
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