Congress is seeking to offer a reward of up to $5 million dollars for any information that leads to capture of Hamas terrorists responsible for the recent kidnapping and killing of a U.S.-Israeli citizen, according to a copy of new legislation obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.
Bills working their way through the House and Senate would order Secretary of State John Kerry to offer a cash reward of up to $5 million for any information on the kidnapping and murder of Naftali Fraenkel, a dual U.S.-Israel citizen who was abducted by Hamas and found murdered along with two other Israeli teenagers last month.
The bills are being sponsored by Rep. Doug Lamborn (R., Colo.) in the House and Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) in the Senate.
The legislation would provide the cash reward "to any individual who furnishes information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual for committing, conspiring or attempting to commit, or aiding or abetting in the commission of the kidnapping and murder of Naftali Fraenkel," according to text of the legislation.
Lamborn told the Free Beacon that the U.S. government is obligated to do everything it can to find Fraenkel’s killers.
"Naftali Fraenkel was an American citizen who was killed by terrorists and the United States should not rest until his killers are brought to justice," Lamborn said. "My heart breaks for the families of Naftali Fraenkel, Gilad Shaar, and Eyal Yifrach."
Lamborn expressed shock that the Obama administration has not more aggressively pursued the Hamas killers.
"Amazingly, the Obama administration still supports this terrorist Palestinian government, even after the death of an American citizen," he said. "President Obama must stop supporting terrorists and renounce the Palestinian unity government immediately."
Lamborn said that he and Cruz are working to "move this legislation forward quickly" so that tips and information can begin coming in.
Israeli authorities announced in late June that they had located the bodies of the three teens near the Palestinian city Hebron following a weeks-long search for the children.
The abduction came just after Hamas agreed to participate with the larger Palestinian political establishment in a unity government meant to unite the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
One of the teens was able to phone police and report the kidnapping, according to dramatic audio released by authorities. Investigators further revealed that the teens were shot at least 10 times in what is believed to be a premeditated killing, according to reports.
The kidnapping also occurred as Hamas began its latest series of rocket attacks on Israeli citizens, which has prompted retaliatory airstrikes.
At least 100 rockets have been fired at Israel in the last day with more than 15 of these rockets aimed at Tel Aviv. Other rockets have been sent toward Jerusalem, forcing residents to seek shelter.
Hamas has fired nearly 700 rockets at Israel since June 30.