U.S. Senate Rejects Senator Bernie Sanders’ Effort to Block $20 Billion Arms Sale to Israel

The U.S. Senate decisively defeated Senator Bernie Sanders’ (I-VT) attempt to stop a proposed $20 billion arms deal to Israel in a major legislative clash. Even as worries about human rights and civilian losses in the ongoing struggle in Gaza continue to grow, the vote, which was held on Tuesday, demonstrated the strong bipartisan support for preserving close military relations between the US and Israel.

A resolution of disapproval was presented by Senator Sanders, a longtime human rights campaigner and outspoken opponent of the Israeli government’s conduct in the Palestinian territories, with the goal of stopping the large arms transaction.

Advanced weapons including fighter jets, precision-guided missiles, and other military hardware are part of the proposed deal. Sanders contended that the sale will worsen the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas militants have killed or displaced hundreds of Palestinian civilians in recent months.

In an impassioned statement on the Senate floor, Sanders declared, “The United States must not be complicit in the suffering of innocent civilians.” “At a time when we should be using our influence to push for a ceasefire and a lasting peace, rather than encouraging further violence, this arms sale sends the wrong message.”

Sanders made a strong case, but the Senate rejected his resolution 72–23, with a sizable majority of Republicans and Democrats voting against it. The vote demonstrated the U.S.-Israel alliance’s lasting strength, which has been a pillar of American foreign policy for many years. Numerous MPs contended that Israel’s security in a difficult region depended on the arms trade.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who voted against the measure, stated that terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah pose existential dangers to Israel, our closest ally in the Middle East. “This arms sale is about preserving our common values and strategic interests, not just about defending Israel’s right to self-defense.”

The arms trade controversy coincides with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict’s growing bloodshed. Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hamas facilities in Gaza since the start of the most recent round of hostilities,

but the bombings have also caused a large number of civilian casualties. Humanitarian groups have reported that tens of thousands of Palestinians have been displaced and that over 2,000 Palestinians, including hundreds of children, have been killed. At least a dozen civilians have died and extensive damage has been caused by Hamas rocket attacks on the Israeli side.

The Biden administration’s steadfast backing for Israel has come under growing criticism from Sanders and other progressive politicians, especially in light of the high number of civilian deaths in Gaza. They contend that the United States ought to use its military assistance to exert pressure on Israel to take a more measured stance and to promote a two-state resolution to the dispute.

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), who backed Sanders’ motion, 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.”

The resolution’s opponents retorted, however, that preventing the weaponry supply would make it more difficult for Israel to protect itself from Hamas and other extremist organizations. Additionally, they underlined that the United States has a long-standing policy of maintaining Israel’s “qualitative military edge” in the area, which is thought to serve as a deterrence against neighboring states’ aggression.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, stated that this resolution is not only wrong but also dangerous. “We are communicating to Iran and other enemies that the United States is no longer dedicated to the security of our allies if we do not stand with Israel. That would have disastrous effects on the whole area.

The weaponry deal has also been supported by the Biden administration, which claims it is in line with US policy and essential to preserving regional stability. The sale would “enhance Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats” while guaranteeing that U.S. weapons are used in compliance with international law, according to a statement from the State Department.

But others have questioned the administration’s claims, citing allegations of Israeli aircraft striking residential buildings, hospitals, and schools, among other civilian facilities. They contend that the United States ought to carry out a more comprehensive examination of the application of its weapons and determine whether they are assisting in human rights abuses.

It is unlikely that the Senate vote will be the last word on the matter. Human rights organizations and progressive advocacy groups have pledged to keep promoting increased accountability in US arms sales to Israel. Additionally, they are urging Congress to enact laws that would tighten restrictions on military assistance to prevent it from being used to violate human rights.

Human rights group Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN) executive director Sarah Leah Whitson stated, “This vote is disappointing, but it’s not the end of the fight.” “We will continue to hold our government responsible and to make sure that innocent civilians are not killed by U.S. weapons.”

According to Sanders, the failure of his resolution serves as a sobering reminder of the difficulties encountered by individuals attempting to change U.S. policy toward Israel. The political majority in Washington is still solidly in favor of continuing to provide Israel with strong military support, despite the public’s rising concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. But Sanders has promised to keep pushing for a more impartial stance on the dispute.

Following the vote, Sanders declared, “This is about who we are as a nation and what we stand for; it’s not just about Israel and Palestine.” “We cannot arm a government that is causing so much suffering and then claim to be a force for justice and peace in the world.” This battle is not yet over.

The Senate’s rejection of Sanders’ resolution underscores the pro-Israel lobby’s continued influence in American politics while the discussion over U.S. policy toward Israel rages on. It also highlights how deeply divided the Democratic Party is on how to strike a balance between support for Israel and worries about international law and human rights.

The $20 billion arms deal with Israel will continue for the time being, underscoring American commitment to Israel’s security. However, pressure on U.S. politicians to change their strategy is expected to increase as the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza worsens. Whether that pressure will be sufficient to break through the deeply ingrained political processes that have long characterized U.S.-Israeli ties is the question.

Meanwhile, Gazans are stuck in the crossfire of a war that doesn’t seem to be coming to a conclusion, and they continue to suffer the most. For them, the Senate’s choice is a matter of life and death, not merely a political one. Furthermore, the ethical and moral concerns regarding U.S. military sales to Israel are still as pressing as ever while the world looks on.