Tel-Chai Nation

The US Senate has taken a very important step by showing moral support to Israel. From FOX News (via Michelle Malkin and N.Z. Bear):

WASHINGTON — The Senate approved by voice vote Tuesday a resolution condemning Hezbollah and Hamas and their state sponsors, which include Syria and Iran, and supporting Israel's exercise of its right to self-defense.

"I applaud my Senate colleagues for their overwhelming support of this resolution, which reaffirms America's support for the State of Israel in its fight against Hezbollah and Hamas terrorists who continue to target Israeli soldiers and civilians," said Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., who added that the recent outbreak of violence started with "unprovoked attacks" on Israel by the terror groups.

"The Senate has spoken loud and clear: Israel has the right to defend itself against aggression. While I urge the Israeli government to act carefully, there should be no doubt as to where we stand in this conflict," Frist said.

The Republican-run House is eyeing a vote on Wednesday on a similar resolution supporting Israel's right to defend itself, condemning Hezbollah's rocket and missile attacks on northern Israel and backing early White House moves to cope with the crisis.

"Be it resolved that the House of Representatives reaffirms its steadfast support for the state of Israel; further condemns Hamas and Hezbollah for cynically exploiting civilian populations as shields ... calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldiers held captive by Hezbollah and Hamas; (and) affirms that all governments who have provided continued support to Hamas or Hezbollah share responsibility for the hostage-taking and attacks against Israel and, as such, must be held accountable for their actions," reads a draft copy of the resolution being considered in the House.

However, as a reader of Michelle's tells her:

I hope the Senate is not supporting Israel the way it is the border fence with Mexico(voting for a fence but not voting for the funding).

That's right, the Senate recently chose to block funding for the security wall along the southern border; in Israel, a wall that leads to segragation is not what we need. I have to agree that for the Senate to take such a two-faced stand is very appalling. And if they don't give funding to Israel to defend itself, then what good is a simple resolution?

And with that said, it should be noted that Ehud Olmert is going the two-faced route again, by implying that he's willing to have UN peacekeepers do a job they've never been willing to do anyway (via Hot Air):

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni hinted Tuesday that Israel would not object to a temporary international force in south Lebanon, despite earlier an outright Israeli rejection of such a plan.

Speaking after a meeting with a United Nations delegation headed by special envoy Vijay Nambiar, Livni said that while Israel would prefer the deployment of the Lebanese army in the south of the country, “we will consider other solutions put forward.”

“If there is a need to strengthen the Lebanese army somehow, so that the military in south Lebanon is effective, and prevents Hezbollah from returning, we will consider ways to do achieve this,” Livni said…

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert also met with the UN team, despite saying previously that he would not do so.

As you can see here, it's apparent that Olmert is as left-wing as he truly is today.

There's going to be another rally for support of Israel today:

WHAT: Solidarity With Israel Rally
WHEN: Wednesday, July 19, 2006, Noon
WHERE: Freedom Plaza in downtown Washington, DC. (Pennsylvania Avenue, between 13th and 14th streets, NW). Closest Metro station is Metro Center.
WHY: The State of Israel is fighting on two fronts, in Lebanon and Gaza, and under constant rocket attacks into populated civilian centers in cities and towns along its northern border. The local Jewish community will show its unity in support of its brothers and sisters in Israel with a rally that will include Jewish leaders, local elected officials and others. Confirmed speakers include: the Honorable Daniel Ayalon, Israel Ambassador to the United States, U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), U.S. Congressman Ben Cardin (D-Md), U.S. Congressman Robert Wexler (D-Fla), and Rev. John Hagee, National Chairman, Christians United for Israel.

And Little Green Footballs has an open thread for other rally announcements.

Update: watch Michelle Malkin's latest Vent on the MSM's anti-Israel biases and pro-Hezbollah stances.

Labels: Israel, US Congress