A record number of US Democratic senators have voted in favour of blocking US sales to the Israeli military in two resolutions that ultimately failed to pass.
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders’ resolution blocking the $295m sale of Caterpillar bulldozers to Israel garnered support from 40 of the 47 Democrats in the US Senate.
But the resolution was defeated with 59 senators voting against, including all Republican senators.
A second vote blocking the $151.8m sale of 1,000-pound (450kg) bombs to Israel only received 36 votes in favour and also failed to pass.
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More than three dozen Democrats backed a bid by Senator Bernie Sanders on Wednesday to block US arms sales to Israel, reflecting growing unease over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and conflicts in Gaza and Iran. The measures failed, opposed by Republicans, but underscored rising dissent within the Democratic Party.
ReplyDeleteThe two resolutions to block US sales of bulldozers and bombs to Israel were opposed by all Republicans and rejected 40-59 and 36-63. But Sanders has repeatedly forced votes on the issue to put pressure on his colleagues — both Democrats and Republicans — to oppose Netanyahu’s regime.
ReplyDeleteSimilar resolutions forced by Sanders in 2024 and 2025 were also rejected, but the number of Democrats voting with the Vermont Independent has more than doubled in less than two years amid Israeli campaigns in Gaza, Iran and Lebanon and a stepped-up campaign by party activists who have increasingly seen support for Israel as a litmus test for support.