Senate Rejects Bernie Sanders' Push for Vote To Suspend Aid to Israel

The Senate has declined to pass a resolution put forth by Sen. Bernie Sanders, which aimed to compel the State Department to investigate any potential misuse of American weapons by Israel in Gaza, with the possibility of withholding aid if necessary.

Defeated by a vote of 72 to 11, the outcome highlights the stark divisions within the Democratic party regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Senate Rejects Bernie Sanders' Resolution to Halt US Funding for Israel

(Photo : Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 14: Chairman U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) presides over a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing on unions on November 14, 2023 in Washington, DC. Union leader testified before the Committee at a hearing titled, "Standing Up Against Corporate Greed: How Unions are Improving the Lives of Working Families."

These divisions are particularly evident between progressive Democrats and the rest of their party, including President Joe Biden, who is facing criticism from young, left-wing voters.

"Regardless of one's perspective on this devastating conflict, we cannot ignore the reality," Sanders stated during his address on the Senate floor on Tuesday.

Following the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, US lawmakers initially rallied behind the Jewish state's forceful response in Gaza. However, as time has elapsed and the Palestinian civilian death toll has climbed, some liberal Democrats are now expressing dissatisfaction with President Benjamin Netanyahu's military campaign and the call for increased US aid to support the ongoing offensive,.

Sanders introduced the resolution last Thursday, aiming to trigger a comprehensive debate on what he characterizes as the Netanyahu government's "indiscriminate and disproportionate military operations" in Gaza since the October 7 attacks.

The resolution, if adopted, mandates the State Department to investigate human rights violations committed during Israel's blockade and invasion of Gaza following the mentioned attacks on Israeli civilians. Should the State Department fail to produce a report within 30 days, US assistance to Israel would be temporarily frozen.

Despite the symbolic nature of the vote, Sanders emphasizes that the resolution is not prescriptive and does not alter aid to Israel. Instead, it merely seeks transparency on how US assistance is utilized in the conflict.

Sanders, a vocal critic of Israel's military actions in Gaza, has also denounced the blockade imposed by Netanyahu's regime, labeling it a "serious violation of international law." He contends that Israel, while entitled to defend itself, does not have the right to wage war against the entire Palestinian population, particularly innocent civilians in Gaza.

The Vermont senator possesses the authority to force his resolution out of the Foreign Relations Committee with a simple majority vote. Notably, the resolution is privileged, rendering it immune to amendments or filibusters, according to The Hill.

Sanders Challenges Israel's Military Funding

While Sanders has emerged as a fierce critic of Israel's military operations, the resolution faces an uphill battle to become law, requiring approval from both chambers of Congress and the signature of President Joe Biden. Sanders previously urged Congress to withhold over $10 billion in military funding for Israel, denouncing its military response as "immoral."

The Senate vote, though largely symbolic, reflects a growing concern within the Senate Democratic Caucus regarding Israel's conduct in the ongoing conflict. Senator Elizabeth Warren asserts that Prime Minister Netanyahu does not have an unconditional mandate from the US Congress, emphasizing the Senate's oversight role in military engagements.

Senator Jeff Merkley, a supporter of the resolution, underscores Israel's right to confront Hamas while urging a critical examination of the war's conduct. However, not everyone within the Democratic ranks backs the resolution. Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Ben Cardin warns that its passage could strain the US-Israel relationship and be exploited by Israel's adversaries.

In contrast, Senator Chris Coons, a close ally of President Biden, expresses skepticism about the resolution's efficacy, preferring direct engagement with Israeli officials and the Biden administration to address concerns without risking the suspension of US assistance.

As the debate unfolds, the Senate remains divided over the appropriate response to Israel's military actions, reflecting broader questions about the US role in the conflict and its commitment to human rights abroad, CNN News reported.