US senate blocks resolutions to halt weapons sales to Israel

On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly to block three resolutions aimed at stopping American weapons sales to Israel, highlighting continued bipartisan support for military aid despite growing divisions within the Democratic Party over the Gaza conflict.

Why it matters?

The votes reflect the ongoing frustration of progressives within President Joe Biden’s Democratic Party regarding U.S. support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

• Senator Bernie Sanders and other proponents argue that Israel’s military actions in Gaza violate U.S. laws that prohibit arms sales to countries committing human rights abuses.
• Opponents, however, argue that halting weapons transfers would undermine Israel’s ability to defend itself against threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.

Bigger picture

The Biden administration opposed the resolutions, framing arms sales as critical to Israel’s security and highlighting its efforts to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza.

• Most Senate Democrats sided with Republicans to defeat the measures, reinforcing Congress’s longstanding support for Israel despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
• Progressive lawmakers hoped the votes would send a symbolic message, pressuring both the Biden administration and Netanyahu’s government to do more to protect Palestinian civilians.

What they’re saying?

It is time to tell the Netanyahu government they cannot use U.S. taxpayer dollars and weapons in violation of U.S. and international law

Bernie Sanders, Democrat Senator

Israel is surrounded by enemies dedicated to its annihilation

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer

Context

The votes come amid a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. More than 43,900 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military campaign, according to Gaza health officials, and most of the enclave’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced.

• Sanders and his co-sponsors argue that continued U.S. arms transfers, which total about $20 billion, enable actions that worsen the humanitarian situation.
• Critics of the resolutions maintain that these weapons are essential for Israel’s self-defense and regional security.

What’s next?

With President Biden’s term set to end in January and President-elect Donald Trump preparing to take office, U.S. policy toward Israel and arms sales will remain contentious. Trump, who strongly supported Netanyahu during his first term, is expected to continue this approach.

This vote underscores the strong bipartisan consensus in Congress on military aid to Israel while highlighting the growing tensions within the Democratic Party over the ethical concerns surrounding U.S. support amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.