In a significant vote reflecting growing divisions within the Democratic Party, 19 Senate Democrats supported resolutions to block U.S. weapons transfers to Israel. Led by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), the measures targeted tank rounds, mortar shells, and Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), sparking intense debate about U.S. support for Israel amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
While the resolutions to block aid were never expected to pass—only three-quarters of the Senate voted against them—the results highlight shifting views on U.S.-Israel relations, particularly within the Democratic Party. This has raised concerns among pro-Israel advocates about the party’s ideological direction.
Key Votes and Reactions
Notable senators, including Dick Durbin (D-IL), the Senate’s second-ranking Democrat, and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the incoming Democratic ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, supported the resolutions. Durbin cited the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a motivating factor, stating, “Israel’s strategy of deadly attacks on and near civilian populations must end.”
In contrast, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and President Joe Biden strongly opposed the measures. Schumer warned that blocking weapons could embolden adversaries like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. “It has been a cornerstone of American policy to give Israel the resources it needs to defend against its enemies,” Schumer said.
Broader Implications
The resolutions have sparked debate over the future of U.S.-Israel relations. Advocacy groups were divided: J Street praised the vote as a step toward holding Israel accountable, while AIPAC framed the rejection as reaffirming bipartisan support for Israel.
Republican senators uniformly opposed the measures, with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) calling them counterproductive to peace in the region. “It’s not about Bibi, folks, it’s about a strain of Islam that will kill every Jew, including Bibi, and come after us, unless they’re defeated,” Graham argued the importance of supporting Israel’s fight against the Middle East and muslims.
As Democratic lawmakers continue to grapple with diverging views on Israel, this vote underscores the growing rift within the party on a historically bipartisan issue.
