The Senate recently rejected a proposal by Sen. Bernie Sanders to block an $8.8 billion arms sale to Israel by the Trump administration. The proposal was split into two votes, both of which failed, with 15 senators voting in favor. Fourteen Democrats voted with Sanders, including Sens. Durbin, Heinrich, Hirono, Luján, Kaine, Kim, Markey, Merkley, Murphy, Schatz, Smith, Van Hollen, Warren, and Welch. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch warned against passing the resolutions, stating that it would abandon Israel, a close ally in the region, during a critical time for global security.
Sanders released a video prior to the vote, criticizing the U.S. for its role in the conflict and accusing the Israeli government of acting in a barbaric manner. He demanded an end to U.S. complicity in atrocities in Gaza. The ceasefire agreement in early 2025 saw an influx of aid trucks into Gaza, providing humanitarian relief. Israel has traditionally received bipartisan support in the U.S., but the recent conflict with Hamas has caused divisions among Democrats. Some have strongly supported Israel, while others, like Sanders, have been vocal critics of its actions.
Sanders had introduced a similar proposal in November 2024 during the Biden administration, which also failed. Many of the senators who supported Sanders’ recent proposal had also supported the resolution under the Biden administration, with a few exceptions. Senator Shaheen, in explaining her vote, emphasized the need to de-escalate the conflict and deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Sanders had previously made accusations against the Israeli government, claiming it was controlled by right-wing extremists and religious zealots, with Netanyahu violating international law.
Overall, the rejection of Sanders’ proposal to block arms sales to Israel highlights the ongoing debate within the U.S. Senate over U.S. support for Israel in light of the recent conflict with Hamas. The differing opinions among senators reflect the complexities of the situation in the Middle East and the challenges of finding a resolution that promotes peace and stability in the region. The conflict in Gaza has raised concerns about humanitarian aid, hostages, and the potential for regional war, prompting senators to carefully consider their positions on arms sales to Israel. Despite the rejection of the proposal, the conversation around U.S. support for Israel is likely to continue as the situation in the Middle East evolves.
