Vermont senator Bernie Sanders faces a significant setback in his campaign to restrict military aid to Israel.
According to Fox News, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly rejected his resolution aimed at blocking weapons sales to Israel, with votes of 79-18 and 78-19 against two separate measures.
The independent senator's proposal, supported by Democratic Senators Chris Van Hollen, Jeff Merkley, and Peter Welch, sought to prevent the Biden administration's latest arms package from reaching Israeli forces. The resolution specifically targeted the sale of tank rounds and mortar rounds, reflecting growing concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Sanders delivered a pointed critique of the Israeli government during his Senate floor speech, particularly targeting Prime Minister Netanyahu's administration. The Vermont senator emphasized the deteriorating conditions in Gaza while acknowledging Israel's right to respond to Hamas's attack.
Sanders said:
It is time to tell the Netanyahu government that they cannot use U.S. taxpayer dollars and American weapons in violation of U.S. and international law and our moral values despite receiving $18 billion from U.S. taxpayers in the last year.
The 83-year-old legislator detailed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting issues such as sewage problems, lack of clean drinking water, and widespread destruction of educational institutions. His concerns extended to the complete absence of electricity in the region for over a year.
Despite the resolution's defeat, several prominent Democrats voiced support for Sanders' initiative. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren emerged as a vocal supporter, criticizing the Biden administration's approach to arms sales.
Warren stated:
The failure by the Biden administration to follow U.S. law and to suspend arms shipments is a grave mistake that undermines American credibility worldwide.
The support from progressive Democrats highlights growing divisions within the party regarding U.S. policy toward Israel. Warren's backing of Sanders' resolution demonstrates increasing scrutiny of military aid to Israel among some Democratic lawmakers.
The decisive rejection of both resolutions reveals the strong bipartisan support for maintaining military assistance to Israel. The voting margins, with nearly 80 senators opposing each measure, indicate the significant challenges facing those seeking to restrict arms sales.
Sanders' criticism of the Netanyahu government as being controlled by "religious zealots" and right-wing extremists represents a growing concern among progressive lawmakers about Israel's military operations. The senator's emphasis on distinguishing between targeting Hamas and affecting Palestinian civilians resonated with a minority of his colleagues.
The Senate's rejection of Sanders' resolution to block weapons sales to Israel marks a decisive moment in U.S. foreign policy deliberations. The Vermont senator's attempt to restrict military aid, supported by several Democratic colleagues, faced overwhelming opposition in votes of 79-18 and 78-19.
The debate over arms sales to Israel continues to highlight tensions between maintaining strategic alliances and addressing humanitarian concerns. While Sanders and his supporters emphasize the need for accountability in military aid, the majority of senators remain committed to supporting Israel's defense capabilities through continued weapons sales.
