Senator Bernie Sanders has initiated a legislative push to block significant US weapons sales to Israel, comprising nearly $660 million in bombs and bulldozers. The move, slated for votes on Wednesday, represents a direct challenge to the long-standing US policy of providing military support to its ally. Sanders argues that these sales are incompatible with US law and moral values, given Israel's conduct in Gaza, Lebanon, and its involvement in the conflict with Iran.
The core of Sanders' action revolves around two Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRDs). These resolutions aim to halt specific arms transfers:
A $151.8 million sale of 12,000 1,000-pound "dumb" gravity bombs (BLU-110A/B), linked to destruction in Gaza and Lebanon.
A $295 million sale of D9R and D9T Caterpillar bulldozers, used for demolishing homes in Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank.
Previous sales targeted include $298 million for 5,000 small-diameter bombs and $209 million for 10,000 500-pound bombs.
Sanders asserts that these weapons are directly implicated in tens of thousands of civilian deaths and that their export violates the Foreign Assistance Act. The sales, he contends, are contrary to US law, which restricts security assistance to countries involved in human rights abuses.
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Political Maneuvering and Shifting Alliances
The impending votes are seen as a test of support for Israel within the US Congress, particularly among Democrats. While similar efforts by Sanders have historically failed, including a resolution in November 2024 that saw 27 Democratic senators vote in favor, there are indications of a growing unease with unconditional support. This current push comes amidst intensified criticism of Israel's military actions and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with polls suggesting a negative shift in public perception towards Israel among voters.
Groups like J Street, a liberal Zionist organization, have amplified the pressure, urging senators to vote in favor of Sanders' resolutions. For the first time, J Street has called for phasing out US aid to the Israeli military, framing these votes as a message of disapproval regarding the Netanyahu government's conduct and the US administration's failure to enforce American laws.
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"We cannot continue to spend taxpayer money on a government which has killed some 60,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 143,000 — most of whom are women, children and the elderly. We cannot continue supporting a government which has blocked humanitarian aid, caused massive famine and literally starved the people of Gaza."
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has a limited window, typically five to ten days, to consider such resolutions. If not acted upon, sponsors can force a floor vote.
Background: A Pattern of Opposition
This is not Sanders' first attempt to curb US arms sales to Israel. He has repeatedly used joint resolutions of disapproval to compel Senate consideration of weapons transfers. These efforts have frequently been met with Republican opposition, with every Republican senator voting against his resolutions in the past. The current actions are part of a broader, escalating challenge to the US administration's military support for Israel, particularly under President Donald Trump's tenure, and its continued backing amid ongoing conflicts. Sanders has explicitly stated that speaking out against the actions of the Israeli government or its leaders is not antisemitic.
