The Florida Legislature has unanimously passed Senate Resolution 1396 and House Resolution 1447 recognizing Israel’s right to Judea and Samaria.
The Senate resolution was sponsored by Senator Alan Hays and co-sponsored by all 39 other members of the Florida Senate, while the House Resolution was passed 108-0 on February 29, 2012.
The resolution stated that “the 650,000 Jews presently residing in the areas of Judea, Samaria and eastern Jerusalem reside there legitimately,” and that “the members of [Florida’s Legislature] support Israel in its legal, historical, moral and God-given right of self-governance and self-defense upon the entirety of its own lands, recognizing that Israel is neither an attacking force nor an occupier of the lands of others, and that peace can be afforded the region only through a whole and united Israel governed under one law for all people.”
The resolution is similar to one the South Carolina Legislature unanimously passed in June 2011.
The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) released a statement “offer[ing] its highest praise for the resolution.” ZOA National President Morton A. Klein said, “A concerted campaign is being waged against the Jewish state to deny its legitimacy in virtually every aspect of its historical, legal, political, and cultural life. This effort is aimed at undermining the very foundations of Israel’s existence. We strongly praise Senator Alan Hays and Representative Scott Plakon, and the entire Florida Legislature for their unanimous and forceful assertion of the basic truth that Israel is America’s most reliable and essential ally, and for their important support of Israeli sovereignty and self-defense. The passage of this resolution is both revolutionary and historic in its importance. ”
Senator Hays said he “was pleased to sponsor this Resolution supporting our very strong ally, the State of Israel. Israel and her citizens have endured years of hardship, yet they have achieved many important accomplishments that are significant in the daily lives of citizens across the globe.”