The U.S. Senate rejected three bills introduced by
independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont that sought to block
approximately $20 billion worth of arms sales to Israel.
The decision confirms the broad support the Israeli
government maintains within the upper chamber, despite growing international
criticism of the conflict in the Middle East.
The proposals, introduced by Sanders in late December as
three Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRDs), aimed to halt arms transfers
that, according to the senator, could be used in military operations that
violate international humanitarian law.
However, from the outset, they were considered unlikely to
pass due to the majority support Israel receives from both Republicans and
Democrats in the Senate.
Sanders has been one of the most critical voices in the US
Congress regarding the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
On numerous occasions, the senator has condemned not only the military actions
in Gaza and other areas, but also the restrictions imposed on the entry of
humanitarian aid.
In his view, Israel is exceeding its right to self-defense
and acting in a way that violates fundamental norms of international law.
Although the resolutions were rejected, the debate
highlighted a growing division within the Democratic Party and Congress itself
regarding unconditional support for Israel.
For Sanders and other like-minded legislators, the vote does
not end the issue, but rather reinforces the need to continue pressing for US
foreign policy to incorporate stronger human rights standards and greater
protection of civilians in armed conflicts.
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