Sanders Calls for End to US Military Support for Israel Amid Gaza Conflict
Independent US Senator Bernie Sanders has taken a bold stance against the ongoing conflict in Gaza, calling for an end to what he terms the collusion between the US administration and the Israeli government. In a passionate speech to fellow senators on Wednesday, Sanders announced his intention to submit a resolution next week aimed at halting a $20 billion US arms deal with Israel. This move comes amidst growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, where the senator emphasizes that the massacre is being facilitated by American military equipment.
Despite increasing voices within Congress condemning the war on Gaza, the overwhelming majority of American lawmakers—across both the Democratic and Republican parties—continue to support the provision of weapons and financial aid to Israel. This bipartisan stance raises significant doubts about the likelihood of passing any resolution that opposes this established policy. Sanders has been vocal in denouncing the complicity of the US in what he describes as a humanitarian catastrophe, highlighting that 60% of the casualties in Gaza are women and children, and that 90% of the population has been displaced due to the conflict.
The senator has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of committing ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip, further underscoring the urgency of his message. In mid-August, the Biden administration approved a substantial arms sale to Israel, totaling $20.3 billion, which includes 50 F-15I and F-15A fighter jets valued at $18.9 billion, marking the largest segment of the deal. Sanders' resolution seeks to challenge this military support, aiming to shift the narrative and policy surrounding US involvement in the region.
