National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn introduced a resolution Wednesday reiterating the Senate’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself, in response to international criticism of the country’s deadly attack on a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid.

The Texas Republican said in a statement that the Turkish flotilla’s attempt to breach an Israeli blockade of Gaza on May 31 was “a disgraceful and premeditated attempt to provoke a violent confrontation with Israel, hidden under the cloak of a humanitarian relief effort.”

“This type of despicable conduct must be condemned and I hope my colleagues will join me in cosponsoring this important resolution to help remind the world that the United States stands with Israel,” he added.

Although resolutions supporting Israel’s right to defend itself are common, Cornyn’s resolution appears to be the first such statement introduced in the Senate since Israeli forces boarded the Turkish flotilla, killing nine people on board.

Some Members of the House are pushing to bring a resolution backing the Jewish state to the floor, but the House Democratic leadership is still considering the matter.