Thu Nov 21 02:04:34 UTC 2024: ## Senate Rejects Bid to Halt Offensive Weapons Sales to Israel Amid Gaza Crisis

**Washington, D.C. – November 21, 2024** – The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly rejected a measure Wednesday to halt the sale of offensive weapons to Israel, despite mounting criticism over the rising civilian death toll in Gaza. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), along with Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Peter Welch (D-VT), spearheaded the effort to block the sale of tank and mortar rounds and smart-bomb kits.

Sanders argued that Israel’s actions constitute “an all-out war against the Palestinian people,” not just a conflict with Hamas. The proposed legislation, a joint resolution of disapproval, would have required passage in both houses of Congress and a veto override to become law – a feat never before achieved in blocking arms sales. Nevertheless, the vote highlighted growing Democratic frustration with the war and President Biden’s handling of U.S.-Israel relations.

The attempt to halt weapons sales comes after a 30-day deadline set by the Biden administration for Israel to improve its treatment of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Israel reportedly failed to meet U.S. demands to significantly increase aid deliveries to the besieged north Gaza Strip, where famine threatens the entire population. The situation has worsened with Israel recently banning the main UN agency providing aid to Palestinians.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer strongly opposed the measure, emphasizing Israel’s need for resources to defend itself. Senator Ben Cardin, citing a White House message, warned that blocking arms sales would embolden Israel’s enemies and harm ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham echoed these concerns.

Despite the defeat, the push to condition U.S. arms shipments on improved treatment of Palestinian civilians reflects a growing sentiment among centrist and progressive Democrats. President Biden, a long-time supporter of Israel, has increased warnings to Prime Minister Netanyahu, but has stopped short of significantly limiting military aid beyond pausing one shipment of 2,000-pound bombs. The death toll in Gaza has reached nearly 44,000, according to health officials who don’t distinguish between civilian and combatant casualties. The roughly $18 billion in U.S. military aid to Israel during the conflict remained a politically divisive issue during the recent presidential campaign. President-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed strong support for Israel, called for a swift end to the conflict, but offered no specifics on how he would achieve it.

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