US Senator Bernie Sanders addresses a press conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on November 19, 2024, to discuss legislation aimed at halting the sale of offensive US weapons to Israel. — Reuters

On Wednesday, the US Senate overwhelmingly rejected three resolutions that sought to halt the transfer of certain US weapons to Israel. These resolutions were introduced by progressive lawmakers who are deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians in Gaza. All votes in favor came from the Democratic caucus, while votes against were cast by both Democrats and Republicans, highlighting the internal division within President Biden's Democratic party regarding policy towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

Seventy-nine of the 100 senators voted against a resolution that would have blocked the sale of tank rounds to Israel, with 18 voting in favor and one voting present. Similarly, 78 senators opposed a second measure aimed at stopping the shipment of mortar rounds, while 19 supported it and one voted present. Additionally, 80 senators voted against a third measure that would have halted shipments of joint direct attack munitions (JDAMS) kits, with 17 in favor and one voting present. These kits, which convert standard unguided bombs into guided weapons using fins and GPS guidance systems, are manufactured by Boeing.

The 'resolutions of disapproval' were filed by Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent progressive who aligns with the Democrats, and were co-sponsored by a few Democrats who have also criticized the treatment of civilians in the conflict. Despite the long-standing tradition of bipartisan support for Israel in Congress, these resolutions were unlikely to pass. However, their backers hoped that significant support in the Senate would encourage both Israel's government and the Biden administration to take more action to protect Palestinian civilians.

Sanders had initially filed a total of six resolutions, covering approximately $20 billion in weapons for Israel, but only brought three to a vote this week. The Biden administration opposed these resolutions, stating in a list of 11 talking points sent to Democratic senators that providing military equipment to Israel is an investment in its long-term security, especially given threats from Iran and other adversaries. The administration also noted that it is continuously working to improve conditions in Gaza.

With a population of 2.3 million, most of Gaza's residents have been displaced, and the region is at risk of famine, more than a year into Israel's war against Hamas. Gaza health officials report that over 43,922 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive. Sanders argued that the military aid to Israel violates US law, which bars weapons sales to human rights abusers, citing the numerous deaths of children and elderly Palestinians, and accusing Israel of obstructing aid shipments.

In a Senate speech before the vote, Sanders stated, 'It is time to tell the Netanyahu government that they cannot use US taxpayer dollars and American weapons in violation of US and international law and our moral values.' Opponents of the resolutions argued that their timing was inappropriate, given the threats Israel faces from militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as arch-enemy Iran.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, stated before the votes, 'Israel is surrounded by enemies dedicated to its annihilation.' However, this could be the last opportunity to halt any weapons sales before Republican President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. Many US Muslims voted against Trump's Democratic opponent, Vice-President Kamala Harris, in the recent presidential election, citing the administration's support for Israel. Yet, Trump strongly supported Netanyahu's conservative government during his first term.

Israel asserts that it has been addressing humanitarian needs, with the primary issue concerning aid deliveries being challenges with UN distribution. Its embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment on Sanders' resolutions. Biden, whose term ends in January, has strongly supported Israel since Hamas-led gunmen attacked in October 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Last month, the Biden administration informed Israel that it had 30 days to improve the flow of aid to Gaza or face consequences to US military assistance. On November 12, Washington concluded that Israel had made progress and was not currently impeding aid to Gaza. However, many aid groups disagreed. US law grants Congress the authority to halt major foreign weapons sales through resolutions of disapproval. Although no such resolution has both passed Congress and survived a presidential veto, the law mandates that the Senate vote if a resolution is filed. Such resolutions have occasionally led to heated debates that have been embarrassing for past presidents.

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