Senator Bernie Sanders has pledged to introduce a resolution to halt a massive $20 billion U.S. arms sale to Israel, responding to widespread criticism of American complicity in the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza.
Senator Bernie Sanders has vowed to lead the charge against the Biden administration’s proposed $20 billion arms sale to Israel, marking a significant stand against U.S. military support for Israel amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Speaking to a gathering at the Brattleboro Senior Center in Vermont, Sanders declared his commitment to blocking further arms shipments unless there is a “radical change in politics” in Israel.
Sanders, who has long been an outspoken critic of U.S. military aid to Israel, made this pledge during a phone call to the event, which was organized by his office. “I will lead the effort to make sure that we do not give any more arms to Israel unless there’s a radical change in politics,” Sanders told the attendees. He emphasized the need to prevent additional military weapons and planes from being sent to Israel, stating his intention to introduce a joint resolution of disapproval against the arms deal.
The arms deal in question includes the sale of dozens of F-15 fighter jets, tens of thousands of mortar shells, and other military equipment, with some deliveries not scheduled until 2026. The U.S. State Department notified Congress of the deal on August 13, during a time when both chambers were in recess. According to reports from The New York Times, the Biden administration timed the notification to avoid a contentious debate in Congress, which has grown increasingly divided over U.S. support for Israel.
The implications of this arms sale are profound, particularly as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians and the displacement of nearly the entire population of Gaza. Critics argue that U.S.-supplied weapons have been used by Israel to target civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, in violation of both U.S. and international law.
Sanders’ proposed resolution of disapproval could disrupt the Biden administration’s plans for a smooth approval process. According to Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), a Joint Resolution of Disapproval is the only mechanism available to Congress to prevent the sale from moving forward. While the Biden administration may argue that the 15-day period for Congress to challenge the sale has expired, DAWN noted that the Senate parliamentarian has previously ruled that the Senate can consider these cases even after the deadline has passed.
Sanders’ pledge to block the arms sale has been met with widespread support from progressive activists and human rights organizations. Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of DAWN, praised Sanders for “challenging this reckless provision of weapons to Israel.” She emphasized the devastating impact of U.S.-supplied arms on the Palestinian population, stating, “The whole world can see that Israel has massacred over 40,000 Gazans with U.S. weapons and has no intention of stopping the carnage.”
The broader criticism of U.S. policy in the Middle East has intensified as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens. Activists argue that continued U.S. military support for Israel not only perpetuates the violence but also undermines America’s moral standing on the global stage. The use of American weapons in attacks on civilians and humanitarian aid operations has drawn sharp condemnation from both domestic and international observers.
Public opinion in the United States is also shifting. Polls indicate that a growing number of Americans, particularly progressives, are opposed to continued military aid to Israel. This sentiment is reflected in the increasing support for Sanders’ position within the Democratic Party, where a significant faction is pushing for a reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
The introduction of a Joint Resolution of Disapproval by Sanders would mark a significant legislative challenge to the arms deal. This resolution, if passed, could effectively block the sale and signal a major shift in U.S. policy towards Israel. However, Sanders is likely to face significant opposition from both the Biden administration and pro-Israel lawmakers in Congress.
The resolution would need to pass both the House and Senate, where it could face procedural hurdles and intense lobbying from defense contractors and pro-Israel advocacy groups. The Biden administration, which has maintained a strong commitment to Israel’s defense, is expected to argue against the resolution, citing the strategic importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Despite these challenges, Sanders’ effort could have broader political implications. If the resolution gains traction, it could force a public debate on U.S. military aid to Israel, potentially reshaping the conversation within the Democratic Party and influencing future U.S. foreign policy decisions.
U.S. military support for Israel has been a cornerstone of American foreign policy in the Middle East for decades. This support has been justified on the grounds of ensuring Israel’s security in a volatile region. However, the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the growing humanitarian crisis have led to increasing scrutiny of this relationship.
As more Americans question the ethical and strategic implications of U.S. military aid to Israel, there is growing pressure on lawmakers to reconsider the status quo. The role of public activism and political pressure cannot be overstated in this context, as grassroots movements have increasingly called for a more balanced and humane U.S. policy in the region.
The outcome of this legislative effort could have far-reaching consequences, not only for U.S. foreign policy but also for the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Sanders’ determination to “make sure that we do not give any more arms to Israel unless there’s a radical change in politics” shows the urgent need for a reevaluation of U.S. military aid and its impact on global human rights.
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