US House bill would back Israel strike on Iran

Republican congressman introduce non-binding resolution to "fully supports Israel's lawful exercise of self-defense."

By JTA
Interior of Bushehr nuclear plant 370 (photo credit: REUTERS/Stringer Iran)
Interior of Bushehr nuclear plant 370
(photo credit: REUTERS/Stringer Iran)
WASHINGTON - A slate of Republican congressmen in the US House of Representatives introduced a resolution that would support an Israeli strike against Iran's suspected nuclear weapons program.
The non-binding resolution introduced Tuesday by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) "fully supports Israel's lawful exercise of self-defense, including actions to halt Iranian aggression such as a strike against Iran's illegal nuclear program."
Another 12 Republicans are co-sponsors.
A non-binding Senate resolution introduced last week in time for the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee's annual conference would call on US President Barack Obama to logistically support Israel should it feel "compelled" to strike Iran to stop its suspected bomb-making. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful.
Also Tuesday, Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) introduced the Senate version of another House bill introduced last week in time for AIPAC's conference that would designate Israel a "major strategic ally," a one-of-a-kind definition.
Those bills would codify much existing legislation on US-Israel missile defense, energy and cyber security cooperation as well as seek avenues to allow Israel to join a program that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States without a prearranged visa.