Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Thursday, October 19, 2023
From the Liveblog of
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Senate passes symbolic resolution backing Israel 97-0
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
The Senate side of the Capitol is seen in Washington, early Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, as lawmakers rush to complete passage of a bill to fund the government. (AP/J. Scott Applewhite)
The US Senate has passed by a vote of 97 to 0 a symbolic resolution reaffirming American support for Israel amid the ongoing Gaza war.
Republican Tim Scott and Democrats Dick Durbin and Laphonza Butler were not in the Capitol for the vote.
The resolution “reaffirms Israel’s right to self-defense and is committed to helping Israel safeguard its people from future aggression.” It also expresses support for restocking Israel’s weapons supply and urges additional sanctions against Iran over its support for terror proxies.
A similarly symbolic resolution has been introduced in the House, with 392 members signing on as co-sponsors. It is expected to also be passed in the coming days.
