Washington, DC - In a resolution introduced today, Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) and George V. Voinovich (R-OH) called for the immediate and unconditional release of three Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah. The three soldiers include Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, who were abducted by Hezbollah on July 12, 2006 and Gilad Shalit, who was kidnapped by Hamas on June 25, 2006. A similar resolution, introduced by Representative Gary Ackerman (D-NY), passed a key Committee in the House of Representatives in February, but awaits a full House vote.

"The terrible kidnapping of Israeli soldiers that precipitated the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon last summer, have yet to be resolved. It is essential that Israel's abducted soldiers are returned immediately and unconditionally. This resolution delivers a strong message in support of Israel and in support of the families of the kidnapped soldiers," said Senator Clinton.

"The international community and our allies in the Middle East must realize that it is time to stop letting Hamas and Hezbollah distort our concept of humanity and dictate the timeline for peace in the region," said Senator Voinovich, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "Restraint, humanity and patience should not only apply to Israel. We must send the same message to Hamas and Hezbollah and any terrorist who threaten democracy and innocent lives. Hamas and Hezbollah are holding the entire region captive along with these three men and it must come to a swift end."

The resolution condemns Hamas and Hezbollah for cross border attacks that led to the kidnappings last year and urges the militant groups to allow prompt medical treatment of the soldiers by representatives of the International Red Cross. It also expresses vigorous support and unwavering commitment to the welfare and survival of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state and encourages strong support and deep interest in achieving a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The resolution also expresses ongoing concern and sympathy for the families of the three soldiers and all other missing soldiers of Israel.

Last year, Senator Clinton met with Karnit Goldwasser, wife of Ehud Goldwasser, one of the Israeli soldiers abducted by Hezbollah, who spoke eloquently and movingly about the importance of securing the safe return of the captured soldiers. Also last year, Senator Clinton sent a letter to Jacob Kellenberger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, urging him to do all he can to verify the health and well-being of the three soldiers and ensure that they have their full rights under the Geneva Conventions and to do what he can to secure their release. Clinton and Voinovich introduced the resolution with Senators Mikulski (D-MD), Brownback (R-KS), Lautenberg (D-NJ), Coleman (R-MN), Lieberman (ID-CT), Schumer (D-NY), Brown (D-OH) and Feinstein (D-CA).