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.

While this effort to block arms sales was unsuccessful, it aimed to signal disapproval of Israeli policies and pressure both Israel and the Biden administration to address the worsening humanitarian crisis.