The U.S. Senate on Wednesday rejected two resolutions aimed at blocking military aid to Israel, including the sale of bulldozers and bombs, despite significant Democratic support. The votes reflect a growing divide within the Democratic Party over U.S. military assistance to Israel amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Senate Joint Resolution 32, which sought to block the sale of D9R and D9T bulldozers and related equipment to Israel, was rejected 40 to 59. Senate Joint Resolution 138, targeting the sale of 12,000 BLU-110A/B bombs, failed 36 to 63. Both resolutions were introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and received majority support from Democrats but lacked Republican backing.
Deeper Dive & Context
The resolutions would have halted approximately $450 million in arms sales to Israel, including $295 million for bulldozers and $152 million for bombs. Sanders framed the votes as a reflection of growing public opposition to U.S. military aid to Israel, citing polls showing majority disapproval. He noted that Democratic support for such resolutions has increased over time, from 11 votes in previous attempts to 40 for the bulldozer resolution and 36 for the bomb resolution.
Political Divide Within Democrats
While a majority of Democrats supported the resolutions, key figures like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) voted against them. Schumer has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions but has historically supported military aid. Other notable Democrats who opposed the resolutions included Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.).
Republican Opposition
Republicans, who hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, unanimously opposed both resolutions. They argued that the sales were necessary to support Israel’s defense against threats from Iran and other regional conflicts. President Donald Trump, a staunch ally of Israel, has defended the arms sales as critical to U.S. national security interests.
Broader Implications
The votes highlight a shifting stance among Democrats, particularly progressive members, toward Israel. Sanders and other supporters of the resolutions argue that U.S. military aid should be conditioned on Israel’s adherence to human rights and international law. Critics, however, contend that halting aid could undermine Israel’s security and U.S. strategic interests in the region.
The debate comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, including Israel’s strikes in Lebanon and ongoing conflicts with Iran-backed groups. The resolutions’ failure underscores the challenges in altering U.S. policy toward Israel, despite growing internal party divisions.