The U.S. Senate recently voted against several resolutions introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders, which aimed to block the sale of offensive weapons to Israel. This decision has sparked ongoing debates about the U.S.’s involvement in the Gaza conflict and its role in the continued suffering in the region. The resolutions, which Sanders had introduced in an effort to halt about $20 billion in arms sales to Israel, were voted down despite growing opposition to U.S. military aid among some Democrats.
Sanders’ Criticism of Israeli Military Operations
Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, has been a vocal critic of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military operations in Gaza. Sanders accused Israel of overstepping its right to defend itself and violating international law, particularly with regard to the heavy toll on civilians. His criticisms have gained traction, especially in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza following Hamas’ October 2023 attack, which resulted in over 43,000 deaths.
In response to these concerns, Sanders introduced three resolutions in late September 2024 aimed at halting U.S. arms transfers to Israel. The measures targeted the sale of U.S. tank rounds, water rounds, and guidance kits attached to bombs used in Gaza, along with other forms of military aid.
The Senate Votes Against Sanders’ Resolutions
The U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly against Sanders’ proposals. The resolutions—S.J. Res. 111, S.J. Res. 115, and S.J. Res. 113—were defeated by votes of 18 to 79, 17 to 80, and 19 to 78, respectively. This outcome reflected the ongoing division within the Senate on how to handle U.S. support for Israel amidst the violence in Gaza.
Vermont Senators Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders visit with Vermont Army National Guard’s 172nd Cavalry Regiment, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), headquartered in Jericho, Vermont., Friday, January 22. The Soldiers are in the Capitol to conduct security, communication, and logistical missions in support of federal and District authorities leading up and through the 59th Presidential Inauguration.
Despite these setbacks, Sanders has continued to advocate for restrictions on military aid to Israel. His resolutions have consistently faced opposition, especially from Republican senators and pro-Israel Democrats, who argue that such measures undermine U.S.-Israel relations.
Growing Opposition Within the Democratic Party
While Sanders has faced resistance, the most recent resolution attempt showed signs of a shift in the Democratic Party. In July 2025, a growing number of Democrats voiced opposition to the arms sales, particularly in response to widespread suffering in Gaza. The Associated Press reported that over half of the Democratic caucus—27 Democrats—supported the resolution to block the sale of assault rifles to Israel, and 24 backed the measure to stop bomb sales. This was a significant increase from previous attempts, where only 18 Democrats had supported Sanders’ position.
Sanders emphasized that this growing opposition reflected the sentiments of the American people, many of whom are increasingly critical of the billions of dollars spent on military aid to Israel while Gaza’s population continues to suffer. Sanders has repeatedly pointed to the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where ongoing violence and a lack of access to basic necessities, such as food and medical supplies, have exacerbated the crisis.
International Pressure and Humanitarian Efforts
Amid mounting international pressure, including from former President Donald Trump, Israel has implemented temporary humanitarian pauses and airdropped supplies into Gaza. Despite these efforts, the situation on the ground remains critical, with aid agencies struggling to meet the overwhelming demand for food, water, and medical care.
Many critics of the U.S. government’s stance, including Sanders, argue that the military aid to Israel contributes to prolonging the suffering in Gaza. Sanders has called on the U.S. to reconsider its role and focus more on providing humanitarian assistance rather than weapons.
Republican Support for Israel
While Sanders has found support among a growing faction of Democrats, the Republican Party has maintained a strong position in favor of continued U.S. military support for Israel. Senator Jim Risch of Idaho, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has placed the responsibility for the conflict on Hamas, emphasizing that the group’s actions are the primary cause of the crisis in Gaza.
All Republican senators voted against Sanders’ resolutions, signaling the continued political divide over how the U.S. should approach its relationship with Israel and its role in the Middle East.
The Future of U.S.-Israel Relations
The ongoing debate about U.S. military aid to Israel reflects broader discussions about the U.S.’s role in global conflicts, especially in the Middle East. While the Senate’s rejection of Sanders’ resolutions shows that support for Israel remains strong in many political circles, the growing opposition among Democrats suggests that U.S. foreign policy in the region may be undergoing a shift.
As the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens, it remains to be seen whether Sanders and other critics of U.S. military aid to Israel will continue to gain traction in their efforts to limit arms sales. The outcome of this debate will likely have a significant impact on U.S.-Israel relations and the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
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