US Senate Rejects Attempt to Halt Arms Sales to Israel Amid Rising Criticism of Gaza War

The United States Senate has voted down a resolution aimed at stopping new weapons sales to Israel, despite growing international outrage over the ongoing war in Gaza and increasing dissent within the Democratic Party.

On Wednesday, lawmakers rejected two measures introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders that sought to block the transfer of 20,000 automatic rifles and a $675 million shipment of bombs to Israel. While both resolutions failed, they drew unprecedented support, with 27 Democrats backing the rifle measure and 24 supporting the bomb resolution. All Republican senators voted against both measures.

The votes marked the strongest Senate push yet to limit US arms shipments to Israel since the conflict escalated in late 2023. Previous attempts by Sanders in November and April attracted far fewer Democratic votes, signaling a widening split within the party as public opposition to the war grows.

Ahead of the vote, Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing his government of perpetuating mass civilian suffering.

“Netanyahu is a disgusting liar. Children are starving to death,” Sanders posted on X before the vote. “The US cannot continue to supply weapons for this slaughter.”

Some long-time Israel supporters also broke ranks. Senator Patty Murray of Washington, voting in favor of one resolution for the first time, said her decision was a “message” to the Netanyahu government.

“As a longtime friend and supporter of Israel, I am voting yes to send a message: the Netanyahu government cannot continue with this strategy,” Murray said in a statement. “We are witnessing a man-made famine in Gaza – children and families should not be dying from starvation or disease when literal tons of aid and supplies are just sitting across the border.”

The debate comes amid plummeting US public support for Israel’s military campaign. A Gallup poll released Tuesday found only 32% of Americans approve of Israel’s actions in Gaza, down 10 points since September. Among Democrats, approval stood at just 8%, compared to 71% of Republicans.

With input from Al Jazeera