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full screen Senator and former presidential aspirant Bernie Sanders tried to stop US arms sales to Israel. Archive image. Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP/TT
The group of Democratic senators in the United States who tried to stop arms sales to Israel were defeated.
The proposal was voted down.
The initiative was led by independent Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, who has been a vocal opponent of Israel’s offensive in Gaza and often votes along the Democratic line.
By supporting Israel, the US becomes an “accomplice” to human rights abuses, according to Sanders. In addition, it would undermine the US’s credibility in other geopolitical matters, he believes.
– People will say “you are worried about China, you are worried about Russia and about Iran. Well, then why are you funding the starvation of children in Gaza?” Sanders said.
But the three resolutions – aimed at blocking the latest US arms sale to Israel worth $20 billion – were all voted down. Only about 20 of the chamber’s 100 members voted in favor.
The US has previously warned Israel that its military aid could be withdrawn unless the humanitarian situation in Gaza improves, but has yet to act on the threat.