Sanders Moves to Block $20 Billion Military Aid to Israel
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Va.) is set to challenge the U.S. Senate next week with resolutions aimed at blocking the shipment of over $20 billion in offensive military aid to Israel. This initiative comes amid rising tensions and humanitarian concerns in the Gaza Strip, where the ongoing conflict has led to significant loss of life and suffering among Palestinians. According to Axios, while the Senate is expected to vote against these resolutions, they reflect a growing sentiment among some Democratic lawmakers against U.S. support for Israel's military actions.
Sanders, a long-time critic of the Israeli government and U.S. foreign policy, has previously called for an end to what he describes as collusion between the U.S. administration and Israel in its military operations against Palestinians. The proposed resolutions, co-sponsored by Senators Peter Welch (D-Va.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), aim to prevent the Biden administration from sending additional military aid, which includes tank ammunition, F-15IA aircraft, and mortars.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The backdrop to Sanders' resolutions is the escalating violence in Gaza, where Israeli military operations have intensified. Reports indicate that Israeli forces conducted violent raids in Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of two Palestinians and injuries to six others. Medical sources have reported that since the beginning of the week, at least 64 Palestinians have been killed due to Israeli shelling in various areas of the Gaza Strip. Despite calls for a reassessment of military aid, the Biden administration has maintained its stance, recently announcing that it would not cut aid despite the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.
