Senate Rejects Sanders’s Attempt to Block $20B U.S. Arms Sale to Israel

1. Context and Controversy
In response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, the U.S. approved a $20 billion arms sale including bombs, artillery shells, and missiles. Senator Bernie Sanders introduced three joint resolutions of disapproval (JRDs) to block the deal, citing humanitarian concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza. “We cannot continue to ignore the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza,” Sanders said, referencing thousands of deaths and widespread hunger reported by aid organizations.

2. Senate Vote and Reactions
The Senate overwhelmingly defeated the resolutions:

• S.J. Res. 111: 18–79

• S.J. Res. 112: 17–80

• S.J. Res. 113: 19–78

Most Democrats joined Republicans in opposing Sanders. Senate leaders warned that halting the deal would hurt Israel’s defense and U.S. credibility. Senator Jack Reed argued, “This assistance is not charity—it is critical support for our de facto ally in the region.”

3. Party Division and Political Fallout
The votes deepened a growing rift in the Democratic Party. Progressives like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez praised the effort: “This debate is a first step toward real accountability.” Centrists, however, stood firm behind traditional U.S.–Israel ties. This divide is expected to influence Democratic primaries, with increased activism and fundraising on both sides.

4. Future of U.S. Foreign Policy
The resolutions failed, but momentum for change is building. Lawmakers plan to push conditional aid tied to human rights benchmarks. Advocacy groups and younger voters are pressuring candidates to rethink U.S. support for Israel. As Sanders warned, “By supplying weapons used in indiscriminate bombardments, we are complicit in these atrocities.”