The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly narrowly defeated a proposal to divest itself of investments with three companies doing business with Israel.

The assembly, which represents nearly 2 million church members, voted 333-331, with two abstentions to reject the plan.

A second proposal in support of peace in Israel and the Palestinian territories passed by a vote of 369-290 with eight abstentions.
Advocates of the overture said Caterpillar Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co. and Motorola, profit from the occupation by providing equipment to the Israeli military.

The vote against divestment comes just over two months after the United Methodist Church rejected a similar proposal, with about two-thirds in opposition.