Senator Sanders introduces bill to block $20 billion US arms sale to Israel

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced legislation on Wednesday aimed at halting more than $20 billion in U.S. arms sales to Israel, citing concerns over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a statement, Sanders described the transfer of weapons to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government as “unacceptable,” condemning the civilian casualties in Gaza as a result of U.S.-supplied arms.

“Sending more weapons to Netanyahu’s extremist government is unacceptable,” Sanders stated. He further emphasized the legal and ethical issues of continuing to supply arms, arguing, “sending weapons is not only immoral, it is also illegal.”

The Senate is expected to vote on the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRD) when it reconvenes in November, Sanders noted.

He referenced U.S. laws governing foreign military assistance, including the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), arguing that the proposed weapons export violates these laws.

“There is a mountain of documentary evidence demonstrating that these weapons are being used in violation of U.S. and international law,” Sanders added.

The legislation comes amid escalating violence in Gaza following a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7. Israel’s subsequent military response has led to significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip, despite a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire.

Local health authorities report that nearly 41,500 people, predominantly women and children, have been killed, and more than 95,500 injured in Gaza since the start of the conflict. The Israeli blockade has also caused severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Israel is facing accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza, raising further international scrutiny on its military operations.