US Senate blocks measures to halt weapons sales to Israel

The U.S. Senate on April 15 rejected two resolutions that sought to block approximately $450 million in proposed arms and equipment sales to Israel, as lawmakers aligned with President Donald Trump maintained strong support for the country.

The measures, introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders, aimed to stop the transfer of military equipment, including bombs and bulldozers. However, both resolutions failed to advance, reflecting the long-standing bipartisan backing of Israel in the U.S. Congress, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

Despite the outcome, the votes revealed increasing concern among Democrats over the humanitarian impact of Israeli military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. A significant majority of the 47-member Democratic caucus supported the resolutions, highlighting growing divisions within the party.

The first resolution sought to block a $295 million sale of D9R and D9T bulldozers, along with parts and support services. It was defeated by a vote of 59 to 40. Seven Democrats joined Republicans in opposing the measure, while Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis did not vote.

The second resolution, which would have prohibited the $151.8 million sale of 12,000 BLU-110A/B 1,000-pound bombs and related support, failed by a vote of 63 to 36. Eleven Democrats sided with Republicans to block the proposal, and Republican Senator Thom Tillis did not participate in the vote.

Sanders argued that the weapons sales violate U.S. laws governing foreign military assistance, including the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act. He also criticized the use of such equipment in conflict zones.

"The United States must use the leverage we have - tens of billions in arms and military aid - to demand that Israel ends these atrocities," he said, urging support for the resolutions.

Supporters of the arms sales emphasized Israel’s role as a key U.S. ally and argued that continued military assistance is essential. Israeli officials maintain that their operations do not intentionally target civilians and are aimed at neutralizing militant groups and military infrastructure.

The votes mark a shift compared to July, when similar resolutions introduced by Sanders failed by wider margins of 73 to 24 and 70 to 27, suggesting growing scrutiny of U.S. military support for Israel.

The Trump administration had previously bypassed standard congressional review procedures early in the U.S.-Israel conflict involving Iran, citing an emergency that required the immediate transfer of weapons.

By Sabina Mammadli