Official statements from Senator Chris Van Hollen or his office

Senate's Historic Vote Wednesday on Sanders' $20B Israel Arms Blockade, with J Street Urging Support

Nov 18, 2024, 07:14 PM

The U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on Wednesday on resolutions led by Senator Bernie Sanders to block $20 billion in arms sales to Israel. The resolutions aim to halt the sale of offensive weapons, including tank rounds and JDAM kits, amid concerns over Israel's actions in Gaza, particularly the bombing and starvation of Palestinian civilians. This marks the first time in history that the Senate will vote on blocking weapons shipments to Israel. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a contender for Senate leadership, plans to support the arms embargo, urging a pause on offensive weapons until humanitarian requirements are met, while maintaining support for defensive aid like the Iron Dome. Advocacy groups such as J Street, led by Jeremy Ben-Ami, are urging senators to support at least one of Sanders' Joint Resolutions, noting that while the resolutions may not garner enough votes to block the sales, the symbolism has meaning. In an opinion piece in The Washington Post, Bernie Sanders stated, "Continuing to provide Israel with the offensive weapons it uses on civilians is morally wrong." The move represents a marked shift to the left for J Street and reflects growing frustration within the Democratic Party over President Biden's approach to Israel. There is a push for Congress to reassess U.S. military aid to Israel in light of U.S. laws prohibiting arms sales to governments committing systematic war crimes.