Official announcements from the U.S. Department of Defense or State Department

Senate to Vote on Bernie Sanders' Resolution to Block $20B Arms Deal with Israel Over Gaza Crisis

Nov 19, 2024, 01:14 PM

The U.S. Senate is set to vote on Wednesday on legislation that would block a $20 billion arms deal with Israel, following concerns over Israel's actions in Gaza. Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced resolutions to halt the sale of tank rounds and JDAM kits, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This move has garnered support from some Democrats, including Senators Chris Van Hollen, Jeff Merkley, and Peter Welch, who argue that the U.S. is complicit in the conflict by providing military aid to Israel, which has already received over $18 billion in military aid from the Biden administration. Despite the symbolic nature of the vote, it represents a significant shift in the debate over U.S. foreign policy towards Israel, with even J Street urging senators to block the arms sales.