The US Senate Rejects Sanders’ Bid to block nearly $500 million in proposed US arms sales to Israel. In a series of votes on Wednesday, the upper chamber did not support motions aimed at stopping the transfer of bombs and armored bulldozers to the government of PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
Why Senate Rejects Sanders’ Bid?
By a vote of 40-59, the Senate rejected the motion to prohibit the $295 million sale of armored bulldozers. Several Democratic senators, including Rich Blumenthal, Chris Coons, Catherine Cortez Masto, John Fetterman, Kirsten Gillibrand, Jacky Rosen, and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, voted no, joining Republicans to defeat the measure.
A second resolution to block the $151.8 million sale of 1,000-pound bombs was also turned down. The US has provided over $21 billion in military aid to Israel since October 2023.
Senate Vote to stop bulldozer sales
Sanders, an Independent who works with the Democrats, pointed out a notable rise in opposition. He mentioned that while the effort began with only 11 votes, 40 out of 47 Senate Democrats voted to stop the bulldozer sales.
Sanders said on social media that this change reflects the views of the American people. He cited a recent poll showing that 60 % of Americans, includes 75 % of Democrats and two-thirds of independents, oppose sending arms to Israel.
Importantly, no Democratic senator considering a presidential run has voted in favor of the sales, as Sanders continues to use the only formal way for Congress to challenge the transfers.
Read also: Kejriwal Files Affidavit Seeking Justice Sharma’s Recusal in Excise Case