Senate Rejects Sanders’ Bid to Block Arms Sales to Israel
The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly voted down three resolutions by Senator Bernie Sanders aimed at stopping $20 billion in arms sales to Israel.
In a decisive 79–18 vote, Sanders’ primary resolution failed, highlighting strong bipartisan support for the U.S.-Israel military alliance—even amid concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza.
Sanders argued the weapons were used in violation of international law, saying they were “bombs dropped in Gaza,” and claimed continued U.S. support made America “complicit in violations of international law and humanitarian principles.”
Despite growing concerns over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, the vote underscored the Senate’s reluctance to disrupt long-standing military ties.
Humanitarian and Legal Concerns Fall Short
Sanders based his case on both legal and moral grounds, citing U.S. laws like the Arms Export Control Act, which he said forbid aid to countries obstructing humanitarian access.
“Every member of the U.S. Senate who believes in the rule of law should vote for the resolutions,” he said.
Citing UN warnings of “extremely critical” hunger levels for over 2 million Palestinians, Sanders argued U.S. weapons contributed to the suffering: “Much of this death and destruction has been carried out with U.S. weaponry and paid for by American taxpayers.”
Democratic Divisions on Display
While a few progressive senators supported Sanders, the resolutions revealed deep divisions within the Democratic Party. Most Democrats sided with President Biden, who believes continued aid gives the U.S. leverage to pressure Israel diplomatically.
Sanders, a Jewish senator, faced unique scrutiny, straddling criticism from both pro-Israel advocates and progressive activists.
Foreign Policy Status Quo Prevails
The failed resolutions reaffirmed the Senate’s deference to the executive on foreign policy and its commitment to traditional alliances. Despite defeat, Sanders succeeded in forcing a public debate on U.S. accountability in foreign conflicts—an issue likely to remain in the spotlight as the Gaza crisis unfolds.