State Rep. Brian BeGole, on Wednesday joined other Republican legislators outside the state Capitol to call on a Democrat majority in the House to clearly stand against recent terrorist attacks against Israel.

House Resolution 146, which BeGole has co-sponsored, condemns the abhorrent attacks perpetrated against Israel by the terrorist group Hamas, calls for the release of hostages taken by the group and reaffirms support for Israel.

The resolution was buried in the House Government Operations Committee upon introduction instead of being taken up on the House floor. House Democrats on Wednesday voted down a motion to adopt the resolution in committee.

The moves come despite other adopted resolutions reaffirming support for U.S. allies this legislative term, including one supporting Ukraine amidst Russia’s invasion of the country and another encouraging deeper ties with Taiwan as it faces near-constant acts of provocation from nearby China. In addition, the Michigan Senate today approved a similar resolution condemning the terrorist acts against Israel – despite the House’s inaction.

            “This resolution is clear – terrorist acts are not acceptable,” said BeGole, of Antrim Township. “To split hairs or attempt to rationalize what was behind these barbaric acts is tone-deaf and insensitive. I am hopeful House Democrats will do the right thing and take a clear stand to say elected leaders in our state condemn this behavior and we stand with allies who share our democratic values.”

At least 1,400 people in Israel have been killed after Hamas militants launched indiscriminate rocket attacks into civilian areas, sent infiltrators into Israeli towns and systematically killed civilians on Oct. 7. This death count also includes over two dozen U.S. citizens so far, as well as citizens from multiple other countries, and over 200 people were taken hostage by Hamas back inside the Gaza Strip.

 HR 146 has over 50 co-sponsors, including multiple Democrats.

“Not taking up this resolution is a bad look for our state and is a terrible message to send to people across Michigan with friends and loved ones in Israel who have been impacted by this tragedy,” BeGole said. “What we are seeing is a failure to lead by Democrats in majority.”

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Brian BeGole (second from right behind podium) joins other Republican legislators for a press conference on Wednesday, Oct. 18 calling for the Democrat majority in the House to take up House Resolution 146. HR 146, which BeGole has co-sponsored, condemns the abhorrent attacks perpetrated against Israel by the terrorist group Hamas, calls for the release of hostages taken by the group and reaffirms support for Israel.