What’s happening:
The US Senate has voted down a progressive-backed resolution that called for a 30-day State Department examination of potential human rights violations by Israel during its military action in Gaza.
Why it matters:
This move signifies the Senate’s stance on foreign policy and the controversial issue of US aid to Israel amidst allegations of human rights abuses. The resolution’s defeat reflects the Senate’s overall support for Israel, despite pressure from progressive factions and isolated GOP members.
By the numbers:
The resolution saw vast opposition with a 72 to 11 vote where primarily Democrats, along with one Republican, supported its passage.
Who’s saying what:
Senator Bernie Sanders led the call for restrictions on aid based on human rights adherence. His position underscores the increasing, though still minor, scrutiny on military support to allies by the Senate’s progressive wing and certain GOP members, such as Rand Paul.
Bottom line:
This unsuccessful vote sets the continued pattern of US legislative defense of its stability-affirming policies in the Middle East, showcasing bipartisan support for Israel amidst bipartisan disputes on the matter.
The backdrop:
The United States generously disburses $3.8 billion annually for security assistance to Israel. Joe Biden has propelled the figures upward, soliciting an additional $14 billion from Congress. As tensions and civilian tolls mount in the Gaza conflicts, the Senate attempted to assert oversight through this vote but has decided against attaching human rights conditionality on these funds.
The other side:
Opponents of the measure argued it reflected incorrect timing and content for US foreign policy, characterizing it as counterproductive and unsuitable for reaching peace or assisting Zionist interests. The White House shared opposition, indicating a transition in Israeli operations which might alleviate humanitarian and wartime pressures.
The Washington Scene:
Highlighting the current administration’s attempt to retract from the warfare, national security voices from the Biden team opposed congressional imposition of checks on Israel’s military engagements. At the same time, lawmakers maintained focus on long-standing alliance cohesion and geopolitical strategy rather than invoking the Foreign Assistance Act to tighten controls on military aid.
The broader conflict:
The Israel-Gaza warfare has caused immense humanitarian strife as well as international concern over excessive force use, raising questions on actors like the US that inherently stake positions via military and diplomatic aid. The latest congressional act symbolizes sparing US-Israel policy from further critique while myriad peace and security questions dangle for all the players directly in harm’s way.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.