With the president preparing to turn his attention to the conflict between Israel and Palestine, many members of Congress wanted to make a statement in support of Israel's fight against terrorism and against Yasser Arafat. Progressives opposed making such a statement, because they felt it would undermine America's role as a neutral arbiter in the conflict, and because it failed to call Israel to account for killing Palestinian civilians and maintaining settlements in the occupied territories. In the House, most measures come with a set of rules that must be approved before the measure itself can be considered. Those pushing the statement of support for Israel wanted to suspend the rules, which limits debate, forbids amendments, and requires a two-thirds vote to pass. However, they first proposed a rule for debate on suspending the rules. Progressives opposed the statement of support and opposed passing it under suspension of the rules (which prevented them from bringing any amendments), so they also opposed this rule that allowed these other measures to be considered. However, they were in the minority, and the rule outlining debate on suspension of the rules passed by a wide margin, 329-76.