Senate Strikes Down Bernie Sanders’ Resolution to Block Arms Sale to Israel
The U.S. Senate has voted down three proposed resolutions by Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont that sought to halt approximately $20 billion in U.S. arms sales to Israel.
Sanders introduced the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRDs) in September 2023, nearly a year after Hamas launched its attack on Israel on October 7. The Gaza Health Ministry has reported significant casualties following Israel’s subsequent military campaigns, estimating over 43,000 deaths. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened, with U.N. officials warning of impending famine as over 1.8 million Palestinians face “extremely critical” hunger levels, according to Newsweek.
In a passionate plea on the Senate floor Wednesday, Sanders urged lawmakers to “not turn a blind eye” to the humanitarian crisis and to reconsider U.S. support for what he described as “mass starvation.” Despite his efforts, Sanders’ S.J. Res. 111 was rejected by a vote of 18 to 79, reflecting strong bipartisan support for Israel in the Senate.
These resolutions underscored divisions within the Democratic Party over President Joe Biden’s approach to the war. Sanders, critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions, argued that Israel’s measures violate international law and exceed the right of self-defense.
At a news conference on Tuesday, Sanders stated the U.S. is “complicit” in violations of international law by supplying arms to Israel, and he accused the Biden administration of failing to hold Israel accountable. The resolutions sought to block the transfer of munitions, including tank and water rounds and guidance systems for bombs used in Gaza.
The U.S. has provided over $310 billion in economic and military aid to Israel, with $228 billion allocated for military assistance. Sanders contends that current U.S. actions breach the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act, which prohibit aid to countries violating human rights or obstructing U.S. humanitarian aid.
In an opinion piece for the Washington Post, Sanders criticized the disparity in aid delivery to Gaza, describing the situation as “unspeakable and immoral.” He lamented that U.S. taxpayer-funded weaponry has contributed significantly to the destruction and suffering in Gaza.
The resolutions’ failure underscores continued U.S. support for Israel, despite rising concerns over the humanitarian crisis and allegations of violations of international law.