The U.S. Senate rejected three resolutions introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders to block $20 billion in U.S. arms sales to Israel. The votes, which were not expected to pass due to strong bipartisan support for Israel, reflected growing Democratic dissent over U.S. policy in the Gaza conflict. Sanders, citing over 43,000 reported deaths in Gaza and warnings of famine, condemned the humanitarian crisis and accused the U.S. of complicity in Israel’s military campaign.
He argued that the Biden administration is violating U.S. laws, including the Foreign Assistance Act, by supporting a government accused of blocking humanitarian aid and committing war crimes. The resolutions aimed to halt the transfer of tank rounds, guidance kits, and other weaponry. Sanders, joined by Senators Welch, Van Hollen, and Merkley, emphasized the urgency of addressing Israel’s actions and the U.S.’s role in enabling them. He called for accountability and change, writing that U.S. weapons have contributed to “unspeakable and immoral” devastation in Gaza.
