Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
A notable number of Democratic lawmakers have voted in favor of resolutions seeking to limit offensive arms sales to Israel.
Let’s bring you up to speed: Yesterday, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced three joint resolutions aimed at halting the transfer of specific offensive arms to Israel, citing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The resolutions sought to prohibit the future delivery of 120mm tank rounds, 120mm High Explosive mortar rounds, and Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), which are precision-guided bomb kits. Sanders argued that these weapons have been used in ways that contribute to significant civilian harm and called for a reassessment of US military aid to Israel.
What happened: The vote on the resolutions saw 19 senators, all Democrats, supporting the effort to block the transfer of offensive arms to Israel, marking a significant increase from similar measures earlier this year. Although the resolutions failed to pass, the number of votes in favor reflected growing dissent within the Democratic Party over unconditional military aid to Israel. Despite this support, the majority of the Senate, including all Republican members present, voted against the resolutions, leading to its failure.
Reactions from lawmakers:
In a statement, Senator Bernie Sanders said, “Last night, 19 Senators voted to end illegal arms sales to Israel. We stood up to AIPAC, the Democratic Senate leadership, and the Biden administration. We must continue going forward to end illegal arms sales and hold Netanyahu accountable for his war crimes.” He added, “Israel, like any other nation, has a right to defend itself, and these resolutions will not endanger that defense. Instead, they specifically target offensive weapons that are responsible for thousands of civilian deaths.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “I’ve also made clear that Israel must do more to reduce the suffering of innocent civilians in Gaza and do much more to get humanitarian aid to where it is urgently needed. However, our security assistance to Israel transcends any one prime minister or any one government.”
Senator Lindsey Graham said, “Israel is in a fight for its very life. Give Israel what they need to fight a war they can’t afford to lose.” He added, “We have a historic opportunity here to give Israel what they need to finish the war they can’t afford to lose, come up with a day-after plan that would replace Hamas … try to get Lebanon in a better space and build on the Abraham Accords. This effort by my colleagues undercuts all that.”
Senator Bill Cassidy said, “I voted NO on the resolutions to block U.S. arms sales to Israel. Israel’s enemies desire to wipe them from the face of the earth. Limiting Israel’s ability to defend itself helps its enemies. It certainly doesn’t help Israel. The United States should stand with Israel.”
The 19 senators who voted to block certain offensive arms sales to Israel included Dick Durbin, Ed Markey, Jeff Merkley, Chris Van Hollen, Martin Heinrich, Mazie Hirono, Tim Kaine, Angus King, Bernie Sanders, Brian Schatz, Tina Smith, Elizabeth Warren, Peter Welch, Jeanne Shaheen, Ben Ray Luján, Raphael Warnock, Chris Murphy, Jon Ossoff, and Tammy Baldwin (present on all votes)
