The Senate voted to reject three resolutions led by Sen. Bernie Sanders that would have blocked certain offensive weapons sales to Israel. The resolutions focused on tank rounds, mortar rounds, and guidance kits attached to bombs dropped in Gaza, but were not expected to pass and were overwhelmingly opposed by Senators. Sanders accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of violating international and U.S. laws and human rights in a speech before the vote. Some Democrats, like Sen. Ed Markey and Sen. Martin Heinrich, supported the resolutions, arguing that the U.S. should not provide Israel with offensive weapons without following international law. Sen. Tammy Baldwin abstained from voting, citing her desire to both support Israel’s right to defend itself and protect innocent Palestinians. Other Democrats and every Republican present voted against the resolutions, with some emphasizing the importance of supporting Israel’s defense in the Middle East. Progressives have previously criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the conflict and alliance with Israel. Israel has justified its offensive against Hamas as necessary to prevent another terrorist attack similar to the one in 2023. The conflict has resulted in over 43,000 Palestinian deaths, with health officials noting that more than half of those killed are women and children.
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Senate Blocks Bernie Sanders’ Attempt to Limit Weapons Sales to Israel
