Senate Resolution 65 from the Foreign Relations Community, introduced by Lindsay Graham and Robert Menendez, has 79 co-sponsors making it likely to pass the full body. With many "Whereas-es" enumerating the sins of Iran, the resolution goes on to expresses full support for Israel (whatever you want, Bibi). Number 8 "urges that, if the Government of Israel is compelled to take military action in self-defense, the United States Government should stand with Israel and provide diplomatic, military, and economic support to the Government of Israel in its defense of its territory, people, and existence."That sounds like, "you start a war, we'll finish it." Except for the next and last line of the resolution: "Nothing in this resolution shall be construed as an authorization for the use of force or a declaration of war."Hmmm?! Does the U.S. Senate continue to recognize Executive authority in declaring war? Or is this a shot across Obama's bow as Benny Gantz, head of the Israeli Defense Forces, announces that Israel can go it alone, especially if he understands that the U.S. Senate will swoop in to help.

Margaret O’Brien Steinfels is a former editor of Commonweal. 

Also by this author
© 2024 Commonweal Magazine. All rights reserved. Design by Point Five. Site by Deck Fifty.