Senator Bernie Sanders is taking a bold step against U.S. arms sales to Israel. On Thursday, he announced a plan to force a Senate vote. This vote will decide whether to block a $675 million arms deal with Israel. The proposed deal includes thousands of bombs and guidance systems. It also involves the sale of tens of thousands of automatic rifles. Sanders argues the U.S. should not fund what he calls “the racist, extremist Netanyahu government.” He said bluntly, “Enough is enough.”
This latest move follows months of similar efforts. Since December 2023, Sanders has introduced or pushed for votes on five separate resolutions. Each one aimed to cut military aid and block arms shipments to Israel. Now, Sanders returns with renewed urgency. Shocking photos of starving children in Gaza have sparked global outrage. Sanders blames Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the humanitarian crisis. He insists the U.S. must act.
“The time is long overdue,” he said. “Congress must use its leverage to demand Israel end these atrocities.” Senate Democrats face a test of conscience. Their stance on Israel has shifted since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. That brutal assault left deep scars and prompted immediate U.S. support for Israel. But sentiment has since evolved.
In Sanders’ last attempt, 15 Senate Democrats voted with him to block $8 billion in arms sales. All Senate Republicans opposed the effort. Still, this time, more Democrats are likely to join him. Earlier this week, 40 Senate Democrats signed a letter to top U.S. officials. They urged expanded humanitarian aid across Gaza. The message was clear: Israel must do more to protect civilians.
Meanwhile, Senate Republicans remain focused on Hamas. Many blame the group for Gaza’s suffering. They warn that Hamas intercepts much of the aid sent to the region. President Donald Trump echoed those concerns. He promised new Israeli-run food centers would soon operate in Gaza.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune agreed. He said the goal is to meet humanitarian needs. But he emphasized the danger of Hamas interference. “That’s the challenge the Israelis face,” he said. “That’s the challenge we all face.”
Despite long odds, Sanders continues to press forward. The Bernie Sanders arms ban challenge highlights a growing divide in U.S. foreign policy. As more lawmakers question unconditional support for Israel, the political landscape continues to shift. Whether his resolution passes or fails, the Bernie Sanders arms ban challenge forces a national conversation. It calls into question how and why America funds foreign conflicts and what responsibility comes with that.
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