The U.S. House of Representatives, in a 98% vote in favor, has dramatically thrown its weight behind Israel in its conflict with Lebanon.

House Republican leader, John Boehner, pointed to Israel's 'unique relationship' with the United States as a reason for his colleagues to swiftly go on the record supporting Israel in the latest flare-up of violence in the Mideast.

A resolution solidy backing Israel was passed 410 votes to 8.

The overwhelming endorsement was a positive boost to the Bush administration which has exclusively backed Israel in the conflict, blaming Hezbollah, Syria and Iran.

The resolution follows a similart unanimous vote by the Senate on Tuesday, which together with the House delivers a virtual 100% endorsement of Israel's policies in the Middle East.

Senator John McCain said the Lebanese people and government must pay a price for Hezbollah attacking Israel from its territory.

He and others were attacked by the minute number of reprsentatives who voted against the resolution, saying it went too far, and was supported as a result of the Israeli lobby,and the self-interest of members who were pandering to Jewish voters.

'I'm just sick in the stomach, to put it mildly,' said Rep. Nick J. Rahall.

Rahall, together with a small band of others opposing the resolution, submitted a draft alternative that left out reference to holding Lebanon responsible for Hezbollah's actions, and called for restraint from all sides. Rahall said the proposal was 'politely swept under the rug,' which he says reflects the influence Israel has in Congress.

'There's a lot (of lawmakers) that don't feel it's right, but vote yes, and get it the heck out of here,' Rahall said.

Rep. Darrell Issa, who co-sponsored the alternative resolution was in agreement. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee lobby 'throws in language that AIPAC wants. That isn't always the best thing for this body to endorse,' Issa said.

'This is the usual problem with any resolution that talks about Israel, there are a lot of closet naysayers up there in Congress, but they don't want to be a target of the lobby' of Israel, said Eugene H. Bird, president of the Council for the National Interest, a group that harshly condemns Israel's military campaign.

'These guys aren't legislating. They're politicking,' said James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute.

According to The Associated Press, an AIPAC spokeswoman said Congress's overwhelming support for Israel reflects the support of U.S. voters and not any pressure applied by lobbyists. 'The American people overwhelmingly support Israel's war on terrorism and understand that we must stand by our closest ally in this time of crisis,' said Jennifer Cannata.