The U.S. Senate delivered a decisive rejection of Senator Bernie Sanders’ effort to block certain arms sales to Israel on Wednesday evening, signaling overwhelming bipartisan support for the military aid package.
Sanders’ resolutions to halt sales of tank and mortar rounds to Israel were defeated by wide margins, with votes of 79-18 and 78-19, respectively.
In a speech on the Senate floor, Sanders criticized the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing it of being dominated by “right-wing extremists” and “religious zealots.” He argued that U.S. taxpayer dollars and weapons were being used in violation of U.S. and international law, and he expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“Right now, there is raw sewage running through the streets of Gaza, and it is very difficult for the people there to obtain clean drinking water,” Sanders said, highlighting the destruction of schools, universities, and critical infrastructure.
While he affirmed Israel’s right to respond to the October 7 Hamas attacks, Sanders condemned what he characterized as an “all-out war against the Palestinian people” by Netanyahu’s government.
Despite Sanders’ passionate appeal, the Senate showed strong support for continuing arms sales to Israel, reflecting a bipartisan consensus on aiding an ally in a time of conflict.
Republican and Democratic lawmakers emphasized the need to back Israel in its fight against Hamas and other threats, with many rejecting Sanders’ framing of the issue.
Although Sanders’ resolutions failed, his concerns were not without support. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts voiced alignment with Sanders, criticizing the Biden administration for not suspending arms shipments.
“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,” Warren said in a statement earlier this week.
Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) also backed Sanders’ resolutions, reflecting a growing but still minority faction within Congress pushing for greater oversight and accountability in U.S. military aid to Israel.
