The Senate rejected Senator Bernie Sanders’ latest attempt to block U.S. weapons sales to Israel on Wednesday. However, the vote exposed a growing Democratic divide on Israel as more lawmakers questioned continued military support. Sanders, an independent from Vermont, introduced two joint resolutions that aimed to stop upcoming arms shipments to Israel. One resolution sought to block $675 million worth of bombs, while the other targeted 20,000 automatic rifles.
Although both measures failed to pass, 27 Democrats voted to block the rifle sales, and 24 voted against the bomb shipments. These figures marked a significant increase from Sanders’ previous efforts. Back in November, only 18 Democrats supported similar resolutions, highlighting how the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza is shifting opinions.
Images of starving children and overwhelmed aid trucks have gripped lawmakers and the public alike. The world’s leading authority on food crises recently warned that a “worst-case scenario of famine” is now occurring in Gaza.
Sanders stated that Americans feel frustrated watching their money support a government starving innocent civilians. “They are tired of funding a government starving children to death,” he said during debate on the Senate floor.
Although Israeli officials paused some military operations and approved limited humanitarian airdrops, conditions in Gaza remain dire. U.N. officials and local witnesses report that Israeli restrictions continue to block or delay most aid deliveries. As a result, desperate crowds frequently overwhelm the few trucks that make it through
Meanwhile, Republicans have remained unified in support of Israel. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Jim Risch blamed Hamas for both the violence and the suffering in Gaza. “They use civilians as shields and steal their food,” Risch said. All Republican senators voted against both of Sanders’ resolutions.
These joint resolutions of disapproval would have needed approval in both congressional chambers and then survived a presidential veto. Historically, Congress has never successfully used this tool to block any U.S. arms deal.
On Wednesday evening, several Democratic senators delivered emotional speeches on the Senate floor. They highlighted the rising death toll among children and urged the Trump administration to reconsider its current stance.
Lawmakers also called for a dramatic expansion of humanitarian aid, coordinated through experienced global relief organizations. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said that both Israel and the White House have a responsibility to act urgently. However, despite those concerns, he voted against Sanders’ resolutions.
The Democratic divide on Israel is now impossible to ignore. As the Gaza conflict approaches its second year, more Democrats are breaking from tradition. They are demanding accountability, a shift in U.S. foreign policy, and immediate action to alleviate suffering. Ultimately, the Democratic divide on Israel could reshape the debate over America’s role in future conflicts—and who gets U.S. weapons support.
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