On November 20, 2024, the U.S. Senate rejected three resolutions introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders that aimed to block a $20 billion arms sale to Israel. These resolutions were proposed amid concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes had killed thousands of Palestinians, including women and children. Sanders argued that U.S. arms sales should not contribute to humanitarian crises or violations of international law. He called for reconsidering the blanket military aid to Israel, especially during the ongoing conflict.

Despite these concerns, the resolutions failed to pass, with only 19 senators supporting them. The rejection reflected strong bipartisan opposition, particularly from Senate leaders like Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, and Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Ben Cardin, who stressed the importance of supporting Israel’s security while addressing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

The Biden administration also opposed the resolutions, reaffirming its commitment to Israel’s security and highlighting the importance of the arms sale to maintain Israel’s military edge. While progressive lawmakers, including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, backed Sanders’ proposals, advocating for human rights and accountability, the broader debate over U.S. military aid to Israel is intensifying. Advocacy groups like Amnesty International have called for greater scrutiny of such aid.

The Senate’s decision reaffirms the long-standing U.S.-Israel alliance, but it also signals growing divisions within the Democratic Party regarding U.S. foreign policy. The rejection does not end the debate, suggesting that future discussions on military aid to Israel will continue to evolve amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.