In a significant decision on Wednesday, the U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly against three resolutions that sought to stop military aid to Israel. These resolutions were proposed by progressives in the Senate, particularly those concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the large number of Palestinian civilian casualties. The resolutions would have blocked the sale of U.S. weapons to Israel, including tank rounds, mortar shells, and precision-guided bombs known as JDAMS.
Divided Senate Votes on Military Aid
The Senate’s vote was largely along party lines, with most Democrats voting in favor of blocking the resolutions and Republicans, along with some Democrats, voting against them. In total, 79 out of 100 senators rejected the proposals to stop weapons sales to Israel, while only 18 supported the measures. The three resolutions covered about $20 billion in military aid and weapons, which would have been halted if the votes had passed.
Senator Bernie Sanders, a prominent progressive independent, spearheaded these efforts. Sanders, along with several other Democratic lawmakers, introduced the resolutions, arguing that the U.S. should not be providing weapons to Israel while Palestinian civilians in Gaza suffer. Sanders accused the Israeli government of violating international law by using U.S. military equipment in a manner that harms civilians.
However, the majority of senators, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, opposed these resolutions. Schumer emphasized that Israel faces constant threats from groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, and therefore needs U.S. military support to defend itself.
A Tradition of Strong U.S.-Israel Ties
The U.S. has had a longstanding tradition of supporting Israel, and the Senate’s rejection of the resolutions is a reflection of that. Over the years, both Democratic and Republican administrations have strongly backed Israel’s right to defend itself, especially in the face of violent threats from surrounding enemies.
Despite the push from progressives like Sanders to block the military sales, the votes were not expected to pass, considering the deep-rooted bipartisan support for Israel. Many of the Senate’s more moderate Democrats, including President Joe Biden, believe that providing military aid to Israel is crucial for its long-term security. The Biden administration has also been vocal about its commitment to Israel’s defense, particularly after the deadly Hamas attacks in October 2023, which led to significant loss of life and hostages being taken.
Humanitarian Concerns and Opposing Views
Sanders and other critics of U.S. military aid to Israel argue that the country’s actions in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have been killed, violate human rights laws. They also point out that Israel has been accused of blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza, worsening the already dire conditions in the region. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is at a breaking point, with millions displaced and facing potential famine due to the ongoing conflict.
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However, opponents of the resolutions, including many within the Democratic Party, argue that halting military support to Israel is impractical and could make the situation worse. They say that Israel is surrounded by enemies, and cutting off military aid would leave it vulnerable to attacks from hostile forces. They also argue that the timing of the resolutions, in the midst of a violent war, was not appropriate, as Israel is in the middle of defending itself against terrorist organizations.
In response to criticisms about humanitarian aid, Israel maintains that it has been working to improve the flow of aid into Gaza. However, the United Nations and various aid organizations have raised concerns about difficulties in delivering assistance due to the ongoing fighting and restrictions.
The Biden Administration’s Stance
The Biden administration has expressed its firm opposition to the resolutions. The administration argues that military aid to Israel is an investment in the country’s long-term security and that it plays a crucial role in defending against threats from Iran and other militant groups. Biden’s administration has also pointed to efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, saying that Israel has made progress in allowing more aid into the region.
Despite these statements, critics argue that the Biden administration could do more to address the humanitarian crisis and hold Israel accountable for actions that harm civilians. In fact, the Biden administration set a deadline for Israel to improve the flow of aid into Gaza, warning that failure to do so could affect U.S. military assistance. While Israel has made some improvements, many humanitarian organizations still believe that more needs to be done.
The Senate’s rejection of the resolutions highlights the deep divide within the U.S. government on how to handle military support for Israel, especially during a time of intense conflict in Gaza. Despite strong opposition from progressives, the tradition of bipartisan support for Israel remains intact for now.
