New Senate Resolutions Aim to Block Arms Sales to Israel
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., introduced six joint resolutions of disapproval last week that would block the sale of more than $20 billion in U.S. military equipment to Israel, including bombs, fighter jets, ground vehicles, mortar rounds and tank ammunition.
Sanders said Israel shouldn't receive such "offensive" weapons because its operations against Hamas have amounted to "all-out war against the Palestinian people," resulting in heavy civilian casualties in Gaza. He also raised concerns about Israel's "illegal" settlement expansion in the West Bank and its "dramatic escalation" in attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., is co-sponsoring five of the resolutions and Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., is co-sponsoring four.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., told reporters Oct. 1 he is “taking a look” at what Sanders is proposing. “I have said that the Biden administration should make more effective use of all the levers of influence they have to get a ceasefire and return of hostages in Gaza,” he said.
Rep. Larry Bucshon, R-Ind., said the resolutions have little chance of passing both houses of Congress, where Israel retains strong bipartisan support. "As long as Hezbollah and as long as Hamas are launching missiles, supported by the Iranians, into Israeli territory ... then I don't see Congress favoring not helping [the Israelis] defend their own land," Bucshon told reporters Oct. 1.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) criticized the resolutions last week, saying they would undermine an embattled U.S. ally and embolden its enemies.