Congress: 105 · Status: active · Israel/Palestine classification: pro-Israel
Data (JSON) — machine-readable record of this bill (identifiers, sponsor, classification, actions, and the member-by-member vote breakdown).
Official record on Congress.gov — full text, actions, and cosponsor history for SCONRES 46.
Sponsor: Helms, Jesse (R-NC)
Declares that the Congress expresses: (1) its condolences to the people of Israel for the loss of life and serious injuries suffered in the terrorist bombing in the Jerusalem market on July 30, 1997; (2) the solidarity of the American people with people of Israel; (3) its determination to join with the Israeli Government in fighting terrorism; and (4) its commitment to peace in the Middle East. Urges Yasser Arafat and officials of the Palestinian Authority to: (1) do more to combat terrorism and eliminate terrorist networks in areas under their control; and (2) cooperate more intensively with the Israeli Government in fighting terrorism. Urges all parties to work to end terrorism to promote lasting peace and security in the region.
The Senate expresses condolences to Israel following a July 30, 1997 bombing in a Jerusalem market that killed and injured civilians. It declares American solidarity with Israel, commits to joining Israel in fighting terrorism, and calls on Palestinian Authority leader Yasser Arafat to do more to combat terrorism and cooperate with the Israeli government. The resolution also urges all parties to work toward lasting peace and security.
This non-binding resolution signals Senate support for Israel's counterterrorism position and places specific demands on Palestinian leadership to suppress militant activity. It frames the conflict through the lens of Palestinian responsibility for terrorism while positioning the US and Congress as aligned with Israel, influencing diplomatic messaging in the immediate aftermath of a high-profile attack.