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( JTA A joint resolution introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders to prevent the sale of bombs and other weaponry to Israel was defeated in the Senate on Thursday.
The motion was denied with a vote count of 82 against and 15 in favor, where all the "aye" votes came from Democratic members. This proposed measure could have impacted approximately $8.8 billion worth of armaments and additional exports to Israel.
Sanders has continually objected to sending weaponry to Israel amid its conflict with Hamas in Gaza, proposing multiple Senate resolutions toward this aim, none of which have been successful.
In November, the Vermont independent, who identifies as Jewish, put forward three similar resolutions. block weapons shipments to Israel. At that time, he had the support of 19 Democratic senators. Another bill Suggested by Sanders in January, this initiative aimed to evaluate Israel’s adherence to both international and U.S. human rights regulations; however, it was rejected by the Senate with a vote tallying 72 against and 11 in favor—Republican Rand Paul from Kentucky supported the measure alongside several Democrats.
The votes in favor of the proposed legislation on Thursday were cast primarily by individuals who had backed earlier bills. One such supporter was Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz, who identifies as Jewish.
Senator Chuck Schumer, the Jewish Democrat from New York and current Senate minority leader who has been a strong advocate for Israel, cast his vote against the resolution.
Before the vote, Sanders delivered an impassioned speech urging the Senate to oppose the arms sale. He expressed his worries about potential breaches of international law by Israel and its leader, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"Should we strive to uphold a fragment of moral integrity in this world, or should we just tell Netanyahu: 'Here are additional bombs, go ahead and kill more children, murder more women, destroy more hospitals?' Is that our approach?" asked Sanders.
Other senators who voted in support included Maryland’s Senator Chris Van Hollen, Massachusetts’ Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, Illinois’ Senator Dick Durbin, Virginia’s Senator Tim Kaine, New Mexico’s Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley, Hawaii’s Senator Mazie Hirono, New Jersey’s Senator Andy Kim, Minnesota’s Senator Tina Smith, Vermont’s Senator Peter Welch, and Connecticut’s Senator Chris Murphy.
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