ALBANY — State Senate Republicans sought to introduce a legislative resolution Wednesday condemning Palestinian airstrikes against Israel, but Democrats denied the measure claiming the body doesn’t “consider” foreign policy measures. 

“It is vitally important that this state and nation stand in support of our allies in Israel, the only beacon of democracy in the Middle East. As violence continues to escalate, we must be united in our condemnation of these cowardly acts of terror,” said state Sen. Minority Leader Robert Ortt (R-Lockport).

“It’s incredibly disappointing that this resolution was denied, and today, I call on every one of my Senate colleagues to join us in support of Israel.”

The proposed document calls the first bombings on May 11 “an attack against Democracy,” declaring the nation “continues to face the hostility and anti-Semitism” and “armed aggression of its neighbors.

“Whereas the people of New York share an affinity with the people of Israel and view Israel as a strong and trusted ally; now, therefore, be it resolved that this legislative body pause in its deliberations to condemn the attacks on the state of Israel and reaffirm our support and cooperation between the state of New York and Israel,” the document reads. 

Resolutions are proclamations frequently introduced in the state Senate and Assembly to honor a person, cause or event. They are first submitted in either chamber for approval, and then receive a bill number. 

But the GOP’s resolution was denied approval, Ortt’s office said. 

Republicans argue the denial is not fair, as Democrats have been allowed to propose — and the chamber has adopted — resolutions in the past, including one condemning “the ruthless acts of terrorism” in Christchurch, New Zealand, when two mass shootings occurred at a mosque in 2019. 

“The Senate has had a long standing rule, including when the GOP was in the Majority, that the body does not consider resolutions on foreign policy. The GOP is citing a resolution that has not passed and one in response to gun violence, not any specific foreign policy,” said Senate Spokesman Mike Murphy.

The issue has sparked division amongst Democrats in the state Assembly as well. 

Left-leaning Democratic Socialists have tweeted about supporting Palestine, clashing with Jewish elected officials who claim colleagues are “openly supporting genocide of the Jewish people.”