A significant number of Senate Democrats recently voted for two resolutions aimed at blocking U.S. military sales to Israel. This vote took place on Wednesday night.
While the resolutions did not pass, the action highlighted a rift in the long-standing bipartisan support for Israel within Congress, especially in light of the humanitarian situation in Gaza amid ongoing hostilities with Hamas.
The resolution, brought forth by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), received 27 votes in favor but ultimately failed, with 70 opposing it.
The second resolution garnered 24 in favor and 73 against, aiming to prevent the sale of automatic rifles to Israel.
Sanders remarked, “Regardless of the outcome tonight, history will hold us accountable for our inaction.”
This marked the third attempt by Sanders to gather Senate support against military aid for Israel. In prior votes, support among Democrats has fluctuated, with some voting for his November resolution while opposing earlier ones.
Democratic legislators emphasized their opposition as a response to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s actions, rather than a rejection of Israel itself.
Among those who supported the resolutions was Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the vice-chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. She described the measures as imperfect but necessary to address the suffering of innocent families and children.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), also a supporter, expressed her commitment to Israel’s safety but insisted that military support cannot continue while humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire.
This criticism of Netanyahu coincides with recent polling data indicating a decline in American approval of his leadership. A Gallup survey from early July revealed a majority of Americans disapproving of him, marking his lowest favorability rating since 1997.
The views varied significantly by political affiliation, with 67% of Republicans holding a positive opinion of Netanyahu contrasted by only 19% of independents and a mere 9% of Democrats.
Support for Israeli military actions has also dipped, with just 32% of Americans in favor of the ongoing conflict. Only 8% of Democrats support the military actions, while 71% of Republicans do.
The Senate’s recent vote has garnered significant international attention regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where experts have warned of impending food shortages and starvation. Israel has started to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza after months of restrictions, but many view these efforts as insufficient.
In a related development, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK would join France in recognizing an independent Palestinian state unless Israel takes steps to halt the conflict. France’s acknowledgment is expected to occur at the upcoming UN General Assembly.
Former President Trump, facing criticism from Netanyahu, has not clarified his plans regarding military support aimed at establishing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The Biden administration has criticized Hamas as the main barrier to peace and has proposed terms for a ceasefire that require the release of hostages alongside increased humanitarian assistance.
The death toll in Gaza has tragically surpassed 60,000 since the outbreak of hostilities following the attacks on October 7, with Israeli sources claiming many of the deceased are militants, while the overall toll includes numerous civilians.
