The call to halt arms supplies reflects a growing divide within the Democratic Party regarding US foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly concerning Israel's actions in Gaza.
The resolutions introduced by Sanders and his colleagues indicate a significant shift in some lawmakers' perspectives on US military aid to Israel, driven by humanitarian concerns.
The expected failure of these resolutions highlights the challenges faced by lawmakers advocating for a change in US policy towards Israel, despite increasing public and political pressure.
The ongoing debate within Congress may lead to more vocal opposition to US military aid to Israel in the future, especially among progressive lawmakers.
As public sentiment shifts regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, there may be increased pressure on the Biden administration to reassess its foreign policy and military support for Israel.
Left-wing members of the US Senate, led by Senator Bernie Sanders, are urging the Biden administration to halt arms supplies to Israel, citing complicity in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Sanders condemned the use of American weapons in the conflict, highlighting the significant civilian casualties and destruction in the region. He stated that the ongoing violence is largely supported by American taxpayers, calling for a stop to this complicity. Alongside Sanders, Senators Chris Van Hollen, Peter Welch, and Jeff Merkley have introduced resolutions aimed at preventing the sale of offensive weapons to Israel, including tank ammunition and F-15IA aircraft. Despite the push for these resolutions, they are not expected to pass due to strong bipartisan support for Israel in Congress. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been described as catastrophic, with reports of tens of thousands of deaths, primarily among civilians, and widespread destruction.
