The US Senate will consider resolutions that would ban the supply of weapons to Israel

The US Senate is preparing to vote on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, on a bill that could block arms sales to Israel. Supporting lawmakers argue that Israel is interfering with the flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip for Palestinian citizens. The “resolutions of disapproval” were introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders, who has long opposed Israel.

Sanders' statement noted that almost all of Israel's war uses American weapons, at the expense of U.S. taxpayers. Sanders complains that Israel does not distinguish between civilians and militants when conducting military operations. The sale of certain types of weapons is being blocked by Democrats who have already supported the resolution.

US law gives Congress the power to interrupt major foreign arms deals by passing a “resolution of disapproval.” Although such resolutions never passed, they still must be voted on by senators. The law has led to difficult debates in the past and has drawn ire from presidents.