What It’s About
US Senator Bernie Sanders is attempting to introduce several resolutions to halt more than $20 billion in US arms sales to Israel. This move comes ahead of the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, which prompted the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Why It Matters
This proposal represents the most significant challenge from Congress regarding US support for Israel amidst Gaza’s conflict. Sanders aims to push for a vote that could stall these arms deals, despite the low likelihood of securing a majority vote.
Details
In his letter to Senate colleagues, Sanders expressed that the US should not be “complicit in this humanitarian disaster.” The proposed action intends to prompt a vote to block the arms sales.
Context
The Gaza health ministry, controlled by Hamas, claims over 40,000 casualties since the war’s onset. Israel counters, stating it has neutralized approximately 17,000 enemy combatants, emphasizing the difficulty in distinguishing between civilians and fighters.
Backdrop
The conflict started following a deadly attack by Hamas-led terrorists on October 7, which resulted in about 1,200 Israeli deaths and numerous abductions.
US-Israel Arms Deals
In August, Secretary of State Antony Blinken approved the sale of military equipment to Israel amounting to over $20 billion, including fighter jets and various munitions, demonstrating the ongoing US support for Israel.
Political Landscape
Though the Senate is politically divided, Sanders aims to demonstrate waning bipartisan support for Israeli war efforts under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Vice President and presidential candidate Kamala Harris has articulated that she would continue current policies of arming Israel.
Israel’s Stance
Israel maintains that it makes great efforts to minimize civilian casualties and argues such outcomes are inevitable in a conflict where terrorists embed themselves within civilian populations.
Congressional Dynamics
While Sanders is set to introduce the resolutions soon, requiring a swift Senate vote, achieving majority support remains unlikely. In the House, prospects are even bleaker due to the Republican majority backing Netanyahu’s strategy.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.