Palm Beach lawmakers file similar resolutions in support of Israel

The violent scenes playing out in Israel — showing Hamas terrorists ripping even children from their homes and bodies paraded in the streets — prompted Palm Beach County lawmakers to file resolutions condemning the attack.

Democratic Sen. Lori Berman and Democratic Rep. Katherine Waldron started drafting their similar resolutions (SR 126 and HR 125) Saturday shortly after the surprise carnage. Waldron’s resolution cites “900 Israelis murdered, and 4,000 rockets being launched” into the state of Israel. The Associated Press Monday morning had the toll from both sides at 2,500 and it’s likely to keep climbing.

After filing the resolution, Berman said, “Florida and Israel have a long-standing relationship based on mutual democratic values and the unprovoked, heinous attack on Israel should be offensive to all Floridians. We stand in support of our democratic ally and affirm their right to defend themselves.”

Waldron said Florida should stand in solidarity with Israel, the state’s closest foreign ally.

“We are outraged at this terrorist organization cruelly attacking and killing innocent people,” she said.

Scenes of carnage and chaos have spurred marchers to the streets to decry the violence, but there also have been demonstrations in support of Palestinians. A group making the argument that Palestinians have long been oppressed in Israel came face-to-face with a pro-Israel demonstration in Tampa Bay that drew police response, news reports show.

Waldron’s resolution makes no allowances for the violence.

“The State of Florida unequivocally supports the right of the State of Israel to exist as a sovereign and independent nation with the full recognition of its borders and territories,” the resolution reads.

If approved, the resolution would be transmitted to Gov. Ron DeSantis and members of the state’s congressional delegation and Israel’s ambassador in the United States “as a testament to the enduring partnership between our states and the unwavering support of the State of Florida for the State of Israel,” the resolution reads.