H.R. 1175 directs officials of Syria, Lebanon and the Palestinian Authority to secure the return of the soldiers.
The legislation also specifies that U.S. aid to these governments “should take into consideration the willingness of these governments and authorities to assist in locating and securing the return of these soldiers.” The bill instructs the State Department to report to Congress on its efforts.
“It is tragic that for almost 17 years we have had no resolution of the matter of these Israeli soldiers,” said Lantos in a statement on the floor of the House of Representatives.