The US Senate has overwhelmingly rejected a bid by Senator Bernie Sanders to block a proposed $20 billion arms deal with Israel. The vote, which took place on Tuesday, highlights the strong bipartisan support for maintaining close military ties between the US and Israel.
Senator Sanders, a long-time advocate for human rights, had introduced a resolution of disapproval in an effort to stop the massive arms transaction. The proposed deal includes advanced weaponry such as fighter jets, precision-guided missiles, and other military hardware.
Sanders argued that the sale would exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have killed or displaced hundreds of Palestinian civilians in recent months. “The United States must not be complicit in the suffering of innocent civilians,” he said in a passionate speech on the Senate floor.
However, the Senate rejected Sanders’ resolution by a significant margin of 72-23, with many Republicans and Democrats voting against it. Supporters of the arms deal argued that it was essential for Israel’s security in a volatile region.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who voted against the measure, emphasized that Israel’s security was paramount, given the threats posed by terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. “This arms sale is about preserving our shared values and strategic interests, not just about defending Israel’s right to self-defense,” he said.
The controversy surrounding the arms deal comes amid escalating violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hamas facilities in Gaza, resulting in significant civilian casualties. Humanitarian groups have reported that tens of thousands of Palestinians have been displaced, and over 2,000 Palestinians, including hundreds of children, have been killed.
Progressive politicians like Senator Elizabeth Warren have criticized the Biden administration’s unwavering support for Israel, arguing that the US should use its military aid to pressure Israel to adopt a more measured approach and promote a two-state solution to the conflict.
Warren stated, “We cannot continue to provide unconditional military aid to a government that is violating international law and perpetuating a humanitarian crisis.” “The United States has a moral obligation to prevent innocent civilians from being harmed by the use of our weapons.”
Opponents of the resolution countered that blocking the arms sale would undermine Israel’s ability to defend itself against extremist groups. Senator Lindsey Graham argued that the resolution was not only wrong but also dangerous, as it would signal to Iran and other enemies that the US was no longer committed to the security of its allies.
The Biden administration has also endorsed the arms deal, maintaining that it aligns with US policy and is essential for maintaining regional stability. However, critics have questioned the administration’s claims, citing allegations of Israeli airstrikes targeting civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings, hospitals, and schools.
The Senate vote is unlikely to be the final word on the matter. Human rights organizations and progressive advocacy groups have vowed to continue pushing for greater accountability in US arms sales to Israel and to urge Congress to enact legislation that would restrict military aid to prevent human rights abuses.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, the debate over US policy toward Israel is likely to intensify. The Senate’s rejection of Sanders’ resolution highlights the enduring influence of the pro-Israel lobby in American politics, but it also underscores the growing divisions within the Democratic Party over how to balance support for Israel with concerns about international law and human rights.
