Graham resolution urges military aid to Israel if the country attacks Iran

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) introduced a resolution Thursday that says the United States should help Israel militarily and economically if it’s forced to act in self-defense.

“We have no better friends in that part of the world than Israel,” Graham said. “Last year President Obama told the people of Israel, ‘We have your back.’ Our resolution builds upon that statement and makes it clear that if Israel is one day forced to protect themselves we will stand with Israel.”

S. Res. 65 states that the U.S. has an “unbreakable commitment” to ensuring the security of Israel and that the U.S. supports Israel’s right to self-defense. The resolution also urges that if Israel is forced to act militarily in self-defense of its people, territory or existence that the U.S. will provide “diplomatic, military and economic support.”

Because the resolution “urges” military support for Israel in the need for self-defense, it would not bind the U.S. president to taking military action.

Sens. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Kirstin Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) are cosponsoring the bipartisan resolution.

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