Sanders Calls for Immediate Vote to Block Arms Sales to Israel in Light of Gaza Famine and Atrocities

Strategic Insights -

United States Senator Bernie Sanders announced his intention to force votes in the Senate to block arms sales to Israel in the wake of the daily civilian massacres and unfolding famine in Gaza, creating by the Netanyahu government's policies. The Senate will vote on two resolutions: S.J.Res.34, which would prohibit the sale of $675.7 million worth of military equipment, and S.J.Res.41, which would block the sale of tens of thousands of fully automatic assault rifles. Sanders argues that U.S. taxpayers have spent tens of billions of dollars supporting the Netanyahu government, which has killed over 60,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 143,000, mostly women, children, and the elderly.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Senate will vote on two resolutions to block arms sales to Israel: S.J.Res.34 and S.J.Res.41.
  • The resolutions aim to prohibit the sale of $675.7 million worth of military equipment, including 1,000-pound bombs and JDAM guidance kits.
  • Sanders argues that the Netanyahu government's policies are responsible for the daily civilian massacres and unfolding famine in Gaza.
  • The U.S. has provided tens of billions of dollars in support to the Netanyahu government, despite its atrocities against Palestinians.
  • More than 1,000 Palestinians have been shot while trying to get food aid in the last two months.
  • The arms sales in question violate the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act.
  • Human rights monitors have documented numerous incidents of civilian death tolls due to the use of 1,000-pound bombs and JDAMs.
  • The rifles in question will go to arm a police force overseen by Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has been convicted of support for terrorism.

Statistics:

  • 60,000 Palestinians killed by the Israeli government.
  • 143,000 Palestinians wounded, mostly women, children, and the elderly.
  • $675.7 million worth of military equipment to be sold to Israel.
  • 1,000 Palestinians shot while trying to get food aid in the last two months.
  • Tens of billions of dollars in U.S. support to the Netanyahu government.

Sources:

  • Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)
  • S.J.Res.34
  • S.J.Res.41
  • Foreign Assistance Act
  • Arms Export Control Act
  • Reliably human rights monitors