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

In a decisive move reflecting the bipartisan commitment to U.S.-Israel relations, the Senate

Senator Sanders, a long-time advocate for human rights and a critic of the Israeli government’s policies in Gaza, introduced the resolutions in response to mounting civilian casualties during the conflict. According to reports, thousands of Palestinian civilians, including women and children, have been killed or displaced due to Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas militants.voted overwhelmingly on November 20, 2024, to reject three resolutions introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders that sought to block a $20 billion arms sale to Israel. The resolutions aimed to halt the transfer of advanced weaponry, including tank rounds, mortar rounds, and Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), citing concerns over civilian casualties during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Despite growing calls from progressive lawmakers to reevaluate military aid to Israel, the resolutions failed to garner enough support, with only 19 senators—17 Democrats and 2 independents—voting in favor of the measures. This outcome underscores the enduring support Israel enjoys in Congress, even amidst increased scrutiny over its military actions and their humanitarian consequences.

The Background of the Resolutions

In his statement on the Senate floor, Sanders argued that U.S. arms sales should not enable actions that violate international law or contribute to the loss of innocent lives. “The United States has a moral responsibility to ensure that its weapons are not used to perpetuate humanitarian crises,” Sanders emphasized. He called on lawmakers to reconsider the blank-check approach to military aid, particularly during a time of escalating tensions in the region.

Bipartisan Opposition

The resolutions faced strong bipartisan opposition, with prominent Senate leaders rejecting the measures. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a staunch supporter of Israel, argued that the arms sale was essential to Israel’s security and its right to defend itself against Hamas rocket attacks. “Israel is a vital ally, and its security is non-negotiable,” Schumer stated.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of ensuring Israel has the resources to protect its citizens while also emphasizing ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “We must stand with Israel, but we must also work towards a peaceful resolution that ensures the safety of all civilians,” Cardin noted.

The Biden Administration’s Stance

The Biden administration also voiced its opposition to Sanders’ resolutions, emphasizing Israel’s security needs as a key pillar of U.S. foreign policy. A White House spokesperson reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to Israel, stating, “The United States remains unwavering in its support for Israel’s right to defend itself. These arms sales are critical to ensuring Israel can respond effectively to threats while maintaining its qualitative military edge in the region.”

Related Posts

Democrats Barge Into Speaker Johnson’s Office

Democrats Barge Into Speaker Johnson’s Office

Reps. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) and Gwen Moore (D-Wisc.) unexpectedly stormed into House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office, challenging him over Elon Musk’s team’s access to a Treasury Department…

BREAKING / Democrats refuse to pass GOP’s spending bill

BREAKING / Democrats refuse to pass GOP’s spending bill

OPINION: This article contain commentary which do not reflects the author’s opinion. The GOP’s funding bill is a Trojan horse for Trump’s extremist agenda, packed with deep…

JUST IN / President Trump, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Bernie Sanders

JUST IN / President Trump, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Bernie Sanders

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is taking the progressive fight directly into Trump country, planning visits to GOP-held districts in Pennsylvania and New York in the coming weeks. AOC…

BREAKING / Tim Walz brutally confronts President Trump About Canada

BREAKING / Tim Walz brutally confronts President Trump About Canada

TIM WALZ SHREDS TRUMP: “IF TRADE IS SO BAD WITH CANADA… WELL, TRUMP WAS THE GUY WHO SIGNED THAT TRADE DEAL! THIS IS HOW HE RAN HIS…

BREAKING: The European Union retaliates hard after Donald Trump slaps

BREAKING: The European Union retaliates hard after Donald Trump slaps

BREAKING: The European Union retaliates hard after Donald Trump slaps a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports — by unleashing counter-tariffs on $28.33 billion worth…

BREAKING: Fox News henchman Peter Doocy brutally confronts Donald Trump

BREAKING: Fox News henchman Peter Doocy brutally confronts Donald Trump

OPINION: This article contain commentary which do not reflects the author’s opinion. BREAKING: Fox News henchman Peter Doocy brutally confronts Donald Trump to his face for destroying…