The US Senate has recently blocked critical resolutions aimed at halting arms sales to Israel, as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen. Introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders, the measures aimed to address concerns about significant civilian casualties amid Israel’s ongoing military operations against Hamas.
Senate Vote Results
The Senate voted on 20 November 2024, with 79 of the 100 senators opposing the resolutions that sought to stop the sale of tank and mortar rounds to Israel. Only 18 senators supported the proposal regarding tank rounds, while 19 backed the one concerning mortar rounds. The stark divide was evident, with most votes in favour coming from the Democratic caucus.
- Proposed measures included:
- Blocking tank rounds to Israel
- Halting mortar round shipments
- A separate resolution aimed at GPS guidance systems for bombs
Concerns Raised
Sanders, an independent senator who often aligns with Democrats, expressed that the military aid Israel receives violates US laws against supplying weapons to human rights violators. He emphasised the plight of Palestinians, stating that over 43,922 have been killed during the ongoing conflicts, which have left most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents displaced.
“It is time to tell the Netanyahu government that they cannot use US taxpayer dollars and American weapons in violation of US and international law,” Sanders asserted during a speech prior to the vote.
Bipartisan Support for Israel
The bipartisan support for Israel’s military actions was reflected in the votes, with figures like Chuck Schumer, the Senate’s Democratic majority leader, stating that Israel operates under constant threat from militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
“Israel is surrounded by enemies dedicated to its annihilation,” he stated, justifying continued support for arms sales.
US Administration’s Stance
The Biden administration has voiced its opposition to the resolutions, expressing that while Israel must fulfil its humanitarian responsibilities, the threats it faces require continued military support. The government has previously warned Israel about the need to improve aid flow to Gaza, though progress has been disputed by many international aid organisations.
The resolutions’ failure to pass underscores the complexities surrounding US foreign policy concerning Israel and the Palestinian territories—an ongoing debate likely to continue as tensions in the region persist.