WASHINGTON ― Large groups of senators on Wednesday voted against selling $700 million in American bombs and rifles to Israel ― sending a major signal from Congress of U.S. frustration over the mass casualties and starvation caused by the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza.
The bills to block the transfers were organized by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and each drew support from more than half of Democrats and their allies in the Senate. Twenty-seven senators voted against the rifle transfer, including Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the Democratic ranking member on the powerful armed services committee, who had never previously voted against weapons for Israel. Twenty-four opposed the shipment of bombs. (Reed and Democratic Sens. Jon Ossoff of Georgia and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island had different positions on the two motions.)
No Republicans supported the effort despite indications that some conservatives want President Donald Trump to be less deferential to Israel.
“Today’s vote was a new high water mark ... It reflects the rising tide among voters against continuing to subsidize and arm Israel’s actions in Gaza and its other grave violations of Palestinian rights,” Ari Tolany of the Center for International Policy, one of several progressive groups backing the legislation, said in a Wednesday night statement.
