A bipartisan group of senators is pushing a resolution Thursday that says if Israel attacks Iran, the United States will assist its ally. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez (Democrat from New Jersey) and Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican from South Carolina) are the chief sponsors of the non-binding resolution, which specifies that Washington would provide military, diplomatic, and economic support to Israel. Proponents of the measure say the resolution is a clear message to Iran that the United States will take all necessary steps to ensure it does not acquire a nuclear weapon. Graham said the resolution is neither a declaration of war nor authorization to use military force. The senators told a news conference they hope to pass the measure before President Barack Obama's visit to Israel in April.
