The U.S. Senate on Wednesday rejected two resolutions aimed at halting arms sales to Israel over civilian casualties in Gaza, though the measures garnered more support than similar efforts earlier this year, signaling shifting sentiment within the Democratic Party.
The resolutions, introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont who caucuses with the Democrats, failed by votes of 73-24 and 70-27. While unlikely to pass due to longstanding bipartisan support for Israel, the increasing number of votes in favor—compared to just 15 in April—reflects growing concern over Israel’s conduct in the war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The resolutions would have blocked the transfer of $675 million in bombs and 20,000 assault rifles to Israel.
“All of the votes in favor came from Democrats, while every Republican voted against,” Sanders noted. “The tide is turning. The American people do not want to spend billions to starve children in Gaza. The Democrats are moving forward on this issue, and I look forward to Republican support in the near future.”
Among those who changed their stance was Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. While she opposed similar measures in April, she backed them this time, citing concerns over Israel’s military conduct and inadequate humanitarian access in Gaza.
“Israel has a right to defend itself, but it is clear that the Government of Israel has not conducted its military operations in Gaza with the necessary care required by international humanitarian law,” Shaheen said.
Opponents of the resolutions, including Senator Jim Risch of Idaho, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, argued that blocking arms sales would hinder Israel’s fight against Hamas. “It is in the interest of America and the world to see this terrorist group destroyed,” Risch said.
The Senate vote comes as international pressure mounts on Israel over its offensive in Gaza, which began after Hamas launched a cross-border attack in October 2023, killing around 1,200 Israelis and taking over 250 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has since killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, destroyed large swathes of the Gaza Strip, and displaced most of its 2.3 million residents.
The worsening humanitarian situation has prompted countries including France and Canada to signal intentions to recognize a Palestinian state. The UK has also said it may do so at the United Nations General Assembly in September if hostilities persist.
Israel maintains that its operations are aimed at dismantling Hamas and rescuing hostages, and it accuses Hamas of using civilians as human shields, an allegation Hamas denies.
Written By Rodney Mbua
