Sen. Bernie Sanders is taking a bold stand against U.S. arms sales to Israel, proposing resolutions that would block over $20 billion in military equipment transfers. In a letter to Senate colleagues, Sanders condemned the devastation in Gaza and called for an end to U.S. complicity in the humanitarian crisis. The resolutions aim to curb Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s assault on Gaza, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction.
While passage of the resolutions is unlikely in the politically split Senate, the move is intended to send a message to the Netanyahu regime about eroding support in the U.S. Congress. Key Senate Democrats have also been urging the Biden administration to intervene in the Israel-Hamas conflict and address the dire situation in Gaza.
Sanders’ resolutions target specific weapons systems and equipment that have been used in the conflict, including missile systems and fighter jets. This is not the first time Congress has attempted to halt arms sales to Israel, as lawmakers have raised concerns about the escalating death toll.
In the House, where Republicans hold the majority, blocking the arms sales would face even greater challenges. Earlier this year, Netanyahu’s combative address to Congress highlighted the growing divide over his approach to the war with Hamas. Despite the slim chances of passing the resolutions, Sanders plans to push for a vote and bring attention to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
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