The US Senate recently blocked efforts to halt the sale of certain US weapons to Israel, a move introduced in response to concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Senator Bernie Sanders led the push through joint resolutions of disapproval to prevent the Biden administration’s $20 billion arms sale to Israel. However, the resolutions failed to garner sufficient support, with about 20 votes out of 100 senators.

Sanders criticized Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in over 43,000 deaths, and accused the US of complicity due to its continued arms support. He highlighted that US law prohibits military assistance to forces committing human rights violations. Despite this, the Biden administration has not stopped arms transfers, even after Israel failed to meet a US-imposed deadline to increase humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Senator Elizabeth Warren and others supported the resolutions, emphasizing the need to hold Israel accountable and to align US actions with its laws and values. Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley

voiced opposition to transferring weapons used in bombing campaigns that have caused massive destruction and loss of life. The humanitarian impact in Gaza is dire, with over 65% of housing and critical infrastructure destroyed and 90% of Palestinians displaced, according to UN reports

Despite these efforts, the Senate ultimately rejected the resolutions, highlighting the continued strong support for Israel within the US government. Many senators argued that Israel has the right to defend itself against rocket attacks from Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza. They also pointed out that Israel is a key ally in the region and that cutting off arms sales could undermine its security.

Critics of the decision, including Sanders and Warren, expressed disappointment and frustration at the Senate’s unwillingness to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They vowed to continue pushing for action to hold Israel accountable for its actions and to ensure that US weapons are not used in human rights violations.

The failure of the resolutions also sparked debate about the US-Israel relationship and the role of Congress in overseeing arms sales. Some lawmakers called for greater transparency and accountability in the arms transfer process, while others defended the current system as necessary for national security.

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with ongoing violence and a lack of access to basic necessities like food and clean water, pressure is mounting on the Biden administration and Congress to take action. The Senate’s decision to reject the resolutions is likely to fuel further calls for a reassessment of US policy towards Israel and the Palestinian territories.

In the meantime, Sanders and other lawmakers who supported the resolutions are exploring other avenues to address the crisis in Gaza and hold Israel accountable. They have vowed to continue pushing for a change in US policy and to ensure that American weapons are not used to perpetuate human rights violations in the region. The debate over US arms sales to Israel is far from over, and the Senate’s recent decision is unlikely to be the final word on the matter.