The independent Democrats caucuses and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders announced that he will block U.S. arms sales to Israel on Wednesday, citing civilian casualties in the Gaza conflict, and promised to introduce Joint Resolutions of Disapproval next week.
These resolutions are allowed under the U.S. Arms Export Control Act, which allows Congress to halt foreign arms sales, Reuters reported.
Though no such resolution has survived a presidential veto, Congress is required to vote on it, often sparking intense political debates.
Sanders argues that providing Israel with more offensive weapons for this war violates U.S. and international law on human rights.
The Jewish Democrat criticized President Biden’s approval last month of over $20 billion in arms sales to Israel, despite rising civilian deaths.
These sales included highly destructive bombs and missiles tied to tens of thousands of civilian deaths in Gaza, Sanders said.
The U.S. has sent Israel over 10,000 bombs and thousands of Hellfire missiles since the war started, U.S. officials confirmed.
Sanders pointed out that such arms transfers violate the U.S. Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act.
The White House has not yet commented on Sanders’ move to block these arms sales, which have sparked controversy among Democrats.
President Biden has faced pressure from his party to address the humanitarian crisis while continuing U.S. support for Israel’s defense.
Although Sanders’ legislation is unlikely to pass, it reflects growing opposition within the Democratic Party toward Israel’s military actions.
In his statement, Sanders said that continuing arms sales would prolong the war and lead to more civilian suffering in Gaza.
The U.S. government has been Israel’s strongest ally, providing billions of dollars in military aid and selling advanced weapons systems.
Sanders emphasized the need for the U.S. to prioritize diplomacy and humanitarian aid over arms sales during such a brutal conflict.
His proposal is expected to reignite debate in Congress over U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, especially regarding Israel.
In July, Sanders condemned the invitation on Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu , arguing that the US should not invite a “war criminal” to a joint session.
before a video posted on his official YouTube channel on Wednesday, Sanders asserted that Netanyahu’s participation before Congress is “the first time in American history that a war criminal has been given that honor.”
The Vermont Senator called the invitation a “disgrace” and claimed it was a choice that America will “look back on with regret.”
Nearly 2.3 million Gazans have been forced from their homes, and more than 41,000 people have died, according to Palestinian officials.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been marked by deadly hunger, disease outbreaks, and limited access to necessities like water.