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Senate Rejects Bernie Sanders' Bids to Block Arms Sale to Israel
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Above: US Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), joined by fellow senators Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), speaks at a news conference on restricting arms sales to Israel at the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 19, 2024 in Washington, DC. Image copyright: Kevin Dietsch/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
The US Senate rejected three proposals to block weapons packages to Israel on Wednesday, including S.J. Res. 111 regarding the sale of 120mm tank rounds — 18-79 — and S.J. Res. 113 regarding 120mm high-explosive mortar rounds — 19-78.
The last of the three resolutions, all of which were sponsored by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in September, was S.J. Res 115 regarding the sale of kits to turn "dumb" bombs into precision-guided weapons. That was rejected 17-80.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This attempt to withhold critical armaments from Israel endangers both Israeli and US security by weakening Israel’s defense against Iran-backed terror groups. This move would undermine a key ally, embolden adversaries, and risk destabilizing the region, threatening American influence and Middle Eastern stability. Thankfully, an overwhelming bipartisan group stood up in defense of their country and friends in Israel.
Establishment-critical narrative
Both liberals and conservatives are growing weary of Washington's unconditional support for Israel, but the establishment Republicans and Democrats insist on keeping Americans in the middle of these conflicts. As a nuclear regional power, Israel doesn’t need endless support, and halting aid would promote US neutrality, reduce entanglements, and foster independent strategies for both nations.
