Senate Rejects Sanders’ Bid to Block $20B Arms Sale to Israel, But Debate Intensifies

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly rejected Senator Bernie Sanders’s attempt to halt a $20 billion arms sale to Israel on Wednesday, but the debate revealed growing divisions over U.S. military support amid rising civilian casualties in Gaza.

Sanders introduced two resolutions under the Arms Export Control Act, aiming to block transfers of precision bombs and tank munitions. Citing over 43,000 deaths in Gaza, he warned, “When U.S.-supplied bombs are flattening refugee camps, we cannot look away.”

The Senate rejected both resolutions by wide margins: 71–12 and 73–11. Notable supporters included Senators Elizabeth Warren, Chris Van Hollen, and John Fetterman, along with lone Republican Rand Paul. Most Democrats and nearly all Republicans opposed the effort, arguing it would weaken Israel during ongoing cease-fire talks.

Though Congress rarely invokes its AECA veto powers, Sanders’s move sparked a rare debate about human rights, executive overreach, and arms accountability. Critics argue that Israel’s use of large-yield bombs violates international law, while supporters insist Hamas’s urban tactics leave Israel with few options.

The Biden administration backed the sale, claiming precision weapons reduce collateral damage. Officials also paused one bomb shipment in April and introduced a new civilian-harm policy in May.

Despite the vote, dissent is growing. Van Hollen is drafting bipartisan legislation to monitor U.S. weapons use, and House progressives may introduce their own resolutions.

With deliveries stretched over two years, the issue remains alive. For now, U.S. support for Israel continues—but under more scrutiny than ever.