U.S. Senate Rejects Resolutions to Halt Arms Sales to Israel Amid Gaza Crisis

Efforts by progressive lawmakers to halt the transfer of specific U.S. weapons to Israel, including tank and mortar rounds, failed in the Senate on Wednesday. Despite increasing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Senate overwhelmingly voted down three proposed resolutions.

In a notable split within President Biden’s Democratic Party, the first resolution was rejected by 79 votes to 18, with one senator voting present. A second measure focused on mortar rounds saw 78 votes against, 19 in favor, and one present. The third resolution, which targeted shipments of Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) kits, was defeated with 80 opposing votes, 17 in support, and one senator voting present, according to Reuters.

The JDAM kits, produced by Boeing, transform standard unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions using GPS technology.

Independent Senator Bernie Sanders, alongside several progressive Democrats, introduced these resolutions to block a $20 billion arms deal, citing concerns over human rights abuses linked to the ongoing conflict. These proposals aimed to restrict the sale of offensive weapons, including JDAM kits and 120mm artillery shells, which have been implicated in civilian casualties in Gaza.

Sanders criticized the Biden administration’s military aid to Israel, arguing it violates U.S. laws that prohibit arms sales to nations involved in human rights violations. Speaking in the Senate, Sanders stated: “The Netanyahu government cannot use U.S. taxpayer dollars and weapons in ways that violate American and international laws and our moral values.”

The Biden administration opposed the resolutions, emphasizing the strategic importance of supporting Israel against threats from adversaries like Iran. The administration also highlighted its efforts to alleviate conditions in Gaza, although aid organizations dispute the effectiveness of these measures. Gaza’s population of 2.3 million remains largely displaced, with over 43,922 reported deaths due to the ongoing conflict, according to local health officials.

Opponents of the resolutions argued that halting arms sales at this time could weaken Israel’s ability to respond to security threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer defended the military aid, saying, “Israel is surrounded by enemies intent on its destruction.”

Israel has claimed it is addressing humanitarian needs and that aid delivery delays are due to challenges in U.N. distribution. The Biden administration previously warned Israel to improve aid flows to Gaza but stated that sufficient progress had been made by mid-November.

As Biden’s presidency nears its conclusion, he continues to reaffirm support for Israel, citing the October 2023 Hamas attacks that left over 1,200 Israelis dead and more than 250 taken hostage. However, critics argue that the U.S. military aid enables policies that disproportionately harm Palestinian civilians, including children and the elderly.

The Israeli embassy in Washington has not commented on the Senate’s decision or Sanders’ resolutions.