U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders’ attempt to block a proposed U.S arms sale to Israel failed after almost a unanimous decision in the Senate, with lawmakers rejecting the resolution. The deal that is set for approval has a value of $14 billion and comprises precision-guided munitions as well as other military equipment sold from the United States’s long-standing commitment to defending Israel.
This resolution spanning the independent Senator from Vermont, against escalating violence in Gaza, coupled with the humanitarian cost of Israeli military action, was introduced. Sanders stated thus in the debate above; “At the very least, why do we, as Americans, want to examine our role in fueling this conflict? We cannot support actions that take innocent lives, that destroy infrastructure relevant for the lives of these people.”
Bipartisan opposition to Sanders’ resolution came primarily from senators arguing that these sales cannot be rescinded if one is to provide support for Israel’s defense against Hamas and other militant groups. “It is not just about supporting an ally; it’s about providing for stability in a very complicated region,” Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) argued.”
The resolution had an uphill climb from the beginning, as arms sales are rarely met with fierce opposition in Congress- especially on the hot-button issue of Israel, a huge U.S. ally. The Senate vote reflected widespread support for keeping the relationship alive, with many lawmakers saying they needed to stand with Israel during its protracted conflict with Hamas.
Human rights advocates and progressive lawmakers backing Sanders criticized the decision, warning that uncritical military support risks exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “The U.S. has a moral responsibility to push for peace, not provide the weapons of war,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), who supported the resolution.
Though Sanders suffered defeat, he promised to continue advocating for conditions to be imposed on U.S. military aid to Israel, this time emphasizing accountability and compliance with international law. “This fight is far from over,” Sanders said after the vote. “We must ensure our foreign policy reflects our values of peace, human rights, and justice.”
The vote illuminates deep divisions in Congress over U.S. policy in the Middle East, with the traditional bipartisan support for Israel increasingly clashing with growing calls for accountability in the face of civilian suffering.
