Fourteen Republican senators in the Iowa state legislature have signed a resolution that recognizes Israel as a free and independent state.

The legislation acknowledges that the United States is the first country to recognize Israel as independent and as its primary ally in the Middle East.  It states, “Those same enemies of Israel also seek to destroy the United States of America.”

It also recognizes the mutually beneficial alliance and friendship that has been established since 1948 with Israel. “That, on behalf of the people of Iowa, the Senate recognizes the right of the Nation of Israel to exist, defend itself, and secure its borders.”

This resolution is currently waiting to be forwarded to the leaders in Washington. Republicans are a minority in the Iowa Senate and do not control the agenda. So, it is not known if there will be an actual vote on this, said Sen. David Johnson.

“It’s fairly well established that most democrats support the Palestinian movement and even the establishment of a Palestinian State,” Johnson said.

Johnson opposes the democratic view of supporting the Palestinian movement and wants Israel to be recognized as independent so that they can defend themselves.

Johnson believes that Israel should be recognized as sovereign to have the rights to protect its borders. He also said that supporting a Palestinian State would be “an invitation for continued warfare in that region of the Middle East.”

“They are a long time friend and ally of the United States, and I believe that the United States should defend it from any and all attacks,” Johnson said.

Republican Sen. Tim L. Kapucian, representing Iowa District 38, signed the resolution supporting the movement.

“I support a free Israel. I don’t know what kind of Israel I would support,” Kapucian said. He believes in a free state, which is why he supports it.

“They have a democracy over there; we have always supported democracy,” Kapucian said.

Julia Katz, president of the Jewish student organization on campus, ISU Hillel, agreed with the state’s resolution, knowing that the United States and Israel are longtime allies.

“Since some of us are not from Iowa, this will make us feel more like in home,” Katz said, who is originally from Oakland, Calif. She is proud to know that the state of Iowa is concerned about Israel and supports its independence.