Sanders Vows to Block Arms Sales to Israel in Response to Netanyahu's Policies

Strategic Insights -

As the conflict in Gaza escalates, with dozens of young children dying from starvation and Palestinian civilians being shot while trying to access food aid, US Senator Bernie Sanders has announced his intention to block the sale of massive amounts of military equipment to Israel, including 201 MK 83 1,000-pound bombs, 4,799 BLU-110A/B General Purpose 1,000-pound bombs, and tens of thousands of fully automatic assault rifles. This move is in response to the Israeli government's policies under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which have led to the deaths of over 60,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 143,000.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US Senate will vote on S.J.Res.34 to prohibit the $675.7 million sale of military equipment, including bombs and JDAM guidance kits, which violate the criteria laid out in the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act.
  • The sale of tens of thousands of fully automatic assault rifles to Israel has raised concerns due to the fact that they will be provided to a police force overseen by Itamar Ben-Gvir, who advocates for the expulsion of Palestinians from the region and has been convicted of terrorism-related activities.
  • Israeli security forces and settler extremists have killed thousands of Palestinians and six Americans in the West Bank in recent years, with no one held accountable for these deaths.
  • The provision of US weapons to Israel is seen as enabling the ongoing atrocities committed by the Israeli government, including the near-daily massacres of Palestinian civilians trying to access food aid.
  • The situation in Gaza is dire, with children dying from starvation and their bodies "eating themselves from within" due to the Israeli government's policies.

Statistics:

  • Over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces under Netanyahu's rule.
  • More than 143,000 Palestinians have been wounded.
  • Dozens of young children have died from starvation in the last two weeks.
  • Over 1,000 Palestinians have been shot while trying to get food aid in the last two months.
  • The Israeli government has killed thousands of Palestinians and six Americans in the West Bank in recent years.

Sources:

  • Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders
  • S.J.Res.34
  • The Arms Export Control Act
  • The Foreign Assistance Act
  • Israeli court documents convicting Itamar Ben-Gvir of terrorism-related activities