In a notable development, Senator Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, has spearheaded an initiative in the Senate aimed at halting the sale of certain offensive weapons to Israel amidst escalating civilian casualties in Gaza. This movement, supported by a select group of Democratic colleagues, seeks to introduce legislation that would prevent the transfer of various arms, including tank and mortar rounds, as well as bomb conversion kits meant for precision targeting.
On the Senate floor, Sanders criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, stating, “This government has not merely engaged in military operations against Hamas, but has initiated a full-scale assault against the Palestinian population.” Known as joint resolutions of disapproval, this legislative effort would require approval from both houses of Congress in addition to overcoming any potential presidential veto to become enforceable. Historically, Congress has never successfully blocked arms sales through such resolutions, yet this vote is indicative of a growing discontent among some Democrats regarding the ongoing war and President Biden’s approach to Israeli relations.
This action coincides with the expiration of a 30-day deadline set by the Biden administration for Netanyahu to adhere to specific U.S. guidelines aimed at enhancing the humanitarian conditions for Palestinian civilians caught in the conflict. Among the U.S. stipulations was the demand for Israel to lift its severe restrictions on aid deliveries to northern Gaza, where many residents are facing dire food shortages.
Prominent global humanitarian organizations have reported that Israel has not adequately fulfilled the U.S. demands for aid access, and in some respects, the humanitarian conditions have deteriorated further. This includes a recent legislative move by Israeli lawmakers to block the main U.N. agency responsible for providing assistance to Palestinians.
U.N. representatives have warned that as the U.S. deadline approached, the entire north Gaza population faced severe risks from famine, airstrikes, and other threats. In anticipation of the Senate vote, Senator Chris Van Hollen from Maryland emphasized the need for accountability in light of worsening conditions, and he was joined by fellow Democrats including Senators Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Peter Welch from Vermont in backing Sanders’ legislative initiative.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer publicly declared his strong opposition to the proposed measures, asserting, “Israel must protect itself, not just now, but also in the future.” He reiterated the longstanding U.S. policy of supporting Israel’s security needs and cautioned against deviating from that stance at this critical juncture.
Furthermore, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham argued against the legislation, suggesting that its passage would send a message of encouragement to Israel’s adversaries, implying that they might see it as a victory if they persist with their efforts.
Progressive and centrist Democrats, along with Sanders, have made repeated efforts over the past year to sway both the White House and Congress to impose conditions on U.S. military assistance to Israel, particularly in relation to the treatment of Palestinian civilians during the ongoing conflict.
The Biden administration has been vocal in its calls for Israel to prioritize civilian safety and facilitate increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. Following the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities, the death toll in Gaza has surged to nearly 44,000 as of Wednesday.
To date, other than postponing one shipment of 2,000-pound bombs, President Biden—who, at 82, has long been an advocate for Israel—has consistently rejected proposals to limit military support for the nation. In contrast, Republicans have uniformly rallied behind Netanyahu, poised to maintain their majority in Congress as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office.
The ongoing provision of roughly $18 billion in military assistance to Israel during the conflict has emerged as a contentious issue in the U.S. political arena, especially in presidential campaign discussions, with Republicans committing to steadfast support for Israel.
Trump has reiterated his strong backing for Israel and called upon Netanyahu to quickly conclude the conflict in Gaza, although he has provided limited details regarding his strategic plans on the matter.