Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders led an effort in the Senate to block the sale of certain offensive weapons to Israel for its ongoing war in Gaza. The legislation aimed to prevent the transfer of tank and mortar rounds, as well as bomb conversion kits, to Israel.
During the Senate floor debate, Sanders criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government for its actions in Gaza, stating that it was waging a war not just against Hamas but against the Palestinian people as a whole.
The joint resolutions of disapproval, if passed by both houses of Congress and not vetoed by the President, would have halted the arms sales. While such measures have never successfully blocked arms sales in the past, the vote highlighted growing Democratic concerns over the conflict and President Joe Biden's handling of the situation.
The move by lawmakers followed a missed deadline for Israel to meet U.S. demands for improving the treatment of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The U.S. had called for the lifting of aid restrictions in north Gaza, where the population faced severe shortages and risks of famine and airstrikes.
Global aid organizations criticized Israel for failing to meet U.S. demands and even imposing new restrictions, such as banning a key U.N. aid agency. U.N. officials warned of an imminent risk of widespread suffering and death in north Gaza.
While some Democratic senators pushed for consequences against Israel, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham argued against the measures, emphasizing Israel's need for defense resources and the potential impact on peace efforts.
The Biden administration, despite urging Israel to protect civilians and allow aid access, has not curtailed military support to Israel. President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office, has pledged continued strong backing for Israel but has not outlined specific plans for addressing the Gaza conflict.
The U.S.'s substantial military aid to Israel during the war has been a contentious issue, with Republicans supporting ongoing support and Democrats seeking conditions on aid shipments based on improved treatment of Palestinian civilians.
