State Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) has introduced HR 449, a resolution condemning the violent attack on Israel carried out by Hamas. The resolution strongly calls on the Israeli government to take necessary action to end the terrorist organization, Hamas, and recognizes Israel’s right to act unilaterally in self-defense for the protection of its citizens.
It also reaffirms Illinois’ support for the well-being, security, and survival of Israel, and it offers heartfelt condolences to those affected.
“The horrific evil unleashed on the Israeli people by Hamas must never happen again. Americans should stand by Israel against terrorists who want to end the Jewish state. I hope the legislature can come together this week and pass this resolution unanimously,” Halbrook said in a press release.
Halbrook noted the resolution in comments on the House floor.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I rise today in support of the Holy Land of Israel in the wake of ongoing attacks and military conflict with Hamas,” Halbrook said in his address to fellow House members. “Hamas is a terrorist organization which does not recognize Israel’s right to exist. The Hamas terrorist organization launched a brutal, highly organized and unprecedented attack upon Israel and its citizens in the early morning hours of October 7th, 2023. In its attack, Hamas fired thousands of rockets against Israel population centers in an attempt to kill untold numbers of innocent civilians.”
“This is why I introduced House Resolution 449, which resolves our support for Israel and condemns the attacks on the state of Israel and its people and strongly implore the government of Israel to bring the terrorist organization Hamas to an end. Further, that we resolved to recognize Israel’s right to act decisively and unilaterally in self-defense, to protect its citizens and to pursue without interference or condemnation the elimination of Hamas until Hamas is permanently neutralized and public safety is assured.”
“Finally, that we call upon the United States to provide assistance to support Israel in its defense against Hamas and all other terrorist organizations that threaten its sovereignty. And we convey our most heartfelt condolences to all the Israeli victims, as well as their families and communities. Thank you.”
State Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) expressed concerns about the lack of a statement condemning the Hamas terrorist organization’s actions and criticized some legislators for signing a letter he perceives as morally equivocal and filled with veiled hatred. He emphasized his amazement at Democrats aligning with progressive viewpoints that he believes are detrimental to the nation.
“We took to the House floor today without a statement from the majority party condemning the Hamas terrorist organization for their despicable acts of violence and murder against innocent Israelis and at least 33 Americans,” McLaughlin said in a statement. “I am amazed at the number of Legislators signing on to a letter filled with moral equivocation and veiled hatred that should be unacceptable and disqualifying to serve in this Chamber. It’s completely shocking to witness many Democrats openly falling in line with the Progressive pablum destroying our great nation.”
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, 10 members of the Illinois House of Representatives and six in the State Senate signed a letter noting the attack from Hamas on Israeli civilians stemmed from “inequality.”
“We will not be able to achieve peace when millions of Palestinians are denied basic human rights. We urge the United States and the international community to work toward long-term solutions that end the inequality that is at the root cause of the violence,” the letter reads in part.
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