Sen. Bernie Sanders is preparing resolutions to halt over $20 billion in U.S. arms sales to Israel in response to the devastation in Gaza. Sanders emphasized that the U.S. cannot be complicit in the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region, where U.S.-provided military equipment has been used in the conflict.
The resolutions aim to curb Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions in Gaza, where the war has resulted in significant casualties and destruction. The proposed measures would block sales of missile systems, tank rounds, fighter jets, and other weaponry that have contributed to the severe impact on Gaza.
While the likelihood of the resolutions passing in the politically divided Senate is low, the vote is intended to send a message to the Netanyahu government about the erosion of bipartisan support for Israel in the U.S. Congress. Key Senate Democrats have been urging the Biden administration to intervene and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where civilian infrastructure and lives are being decimated.
Earlier this year, Netanyahu's address to the U.S. Congress highlighted the growing divide over his handling of the conflict. The invitation extended to Netanyahu by House Speaker Mike Johnson faced criticism from some Democrats, who boycotted the speech. The proposed resolutions by Sanders would utilize a joint resolution of disapproval to exercise congressional oversight over foreign affairs.
Despite some support for Sanders' proposals, it is unlikely that the resolutions will garner enough votes to pass in the Senate. In the House, where Republicans hold the majority and generally support Netanyahu's approach to the conflict, blocking the arms sales to Israel faces even greater challenges.
