Senate Rejects Bid to Block US Weapons Sale to Israel, Despite Growing Concerns
The US Senate on Wednesday overwhelmingly rejected a resolution to halt a $20 billion weapons sale to Israel, voting 79-18 against the measure, Al Jazeera reports.
While the defeat represents a setback for advocates seeking to condition US aid to Israel, the vote also highlighted a growing fissure within the traditionally bipartisan support for unconditional military assistance.
The resolution, spearheaded by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), aimed to block the sale of tank rounds to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon. Two additional resolutions targeting other weapon systems also failed, garnering fewer than 20 votes each.
Despite the substantial defeat, the vote marks a significant turning point. This was the first time a US weapons sale to Israel has faced such a direct challenge in the Senate. The effort garnered support not only from progressive senators like Sanders, but also from several mainstream Democrats, including Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Brian Schatz (D-HI).
The vote comes amid growing international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon. A recent Brown University study revealed that the Biden administration provided $17.9 billion in security assistance to Israel over the past year, despite UN warnings that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. These actions, along with reports of widespread destruction in Lebanon, sexual abuse of Palestinian prisoners, and the ongoing siege of Gaza, have fueled calls for greater accountability and a reevaluation of US support.
