politics
April 17, 2026
US Senators Back Donald Trump's Arms Sales to Israel
The US Senate has voted against two resolutions on stopping American arms sales to Israel put forward by Bernie Sanders
TL;DR
- The US Senate rejected two resolutions by Bernie Sanders to halt arms sales to Israel.
- The resolutions received about 75% support from Democrats but failed due to Republican opposition.
- The proposed sales included $295 million in bulldozers and $151.8 million in general purpose bombs.
- Democrats' stance on arms sales to Israel has shifted since the Gaza operation began in response to the October 7 Hamas attacks.
- Sanders cited the Foreign Assistance Act and Arms Export Control Act as reasons to block sales, noting Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
- Republicans, including Senator Jim Risch, argued that blocking sales could embolden Iran and leave Israel vulnerable.
- Palestinian health authorities report over 72,000 killed and 172,000 injured in Gaza over the past three years.
- An Israeli invasion of Lebanon has reportedly led to over 2,100 civilian deaths.
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