The Senate overwhelmingly rejected three resolutions from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) seeking to block sales of tank and mortar rounds, as well as bomb-guidance kits, to Israel. The measures, aimed at curbing weapons Sanders claimed were used offensively in Gaza, were defeated by an 18-79 vote each.
Sanders argued U.S. law prohibits arms sales to nations violating international human rights or obstructing humanitarian aid. He cited Gaza’s devastation and civilian casualties reported by the Hamas-run Palestinian Health Ministry. Pro-Israel lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), countered that restricting arms would harm Israel’s self-defense.
Schumer called U.S. arms support a “cornerstone” of American policy, pointing to threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Senate Foreign Relations Chair Ben Cardin (D-Md.) argued blocking weapons could undermine Israel’s ability to defend itself in the future and might increase civilian casualties by limiting precision-guided munitions.
Progressive pro-Israel group J Street supported Sanders, asserting the U.S. must hold Israel accountable. However, mainstream Jewish organizations and the Biden administration opposed the measures, stressing the need to prioritize Hamas’s defeat and the hostages’ release.
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