Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, has consistently sought to block the sale of U.S. weapons to Israel, raising serious humanitarian concerns. Despite his repeated efforts, Sanders’ attempts have faced overwhelming opposition in the Senate, where bipartisan support for continued arms transfers remains strong.
In late September, nearly a year after the Hamas attack in October 2023 that triggered Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, Sanders introduced three resolutions aimed at halting arms sales valued at approximately $20 billion. The conflict has tragically resulted in over 43,000 reported deaths, intensifying calls for reconsideration of U.S. military assistance.
Each of Sanders’ resolutions was decisively rejected. S.J. Resolution 111 failed by a vote of 18 to 79, S.J. Resolution 115 was struck down 17 to 80, and S.J. Resolution 113 fell by 19 to 78. These wide margins demonstrated the Senate’s strong bipartisan backing for continuing to supply Israel with weapons, despite the mounting humanitarian crisis.
Sanders has frequently criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of violating international law, imposing harsh restrictions on aid deliveries, and employing excessive military force in Gaza. According to Sanders, Israel’s actions have exceeded legitimate self-defense, contributing to widespread civilian suffering.
The blocked resolutions targeted specific military supplies, including tank rounds, water rounds, and precision guidance kits used in bombings across Gaza. Sanders and his allies aimed to prevent the use of U.S.-made weapons that have played a role in the destruction and loss of civilian life.
At a press conference alongside Senators Peter Welch, Chris Van Hollen, and Jeff Merkley, Sanders declared that by continuing arms shipments, the United States is “complicit” in the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Despite repeated setbacks, Sanders remains committed to challenging U.S. military support for Israel. His persistence highlights both the complexity of U.S.-Israel relations and the difficulty of altering America’s longstanding alliance amid deep political divisions.
