NEWNow you can listen to news articles!
Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont intends to force a vote on prohibiting arms sales to Israel, presenting a challenge for Senate Democrats whose stance on the Jewish state has recently evolved.
Sanders, an independent who typically aligns with Senate Democrats, announced his plan to push for a vote on two resolutions. The resolutions aim to block the $675 million sale of bombs and guidance kits to Israel, as well as to stop the sale of “tens of thousands” of automatic rifles to the country.
“U.S. taxpayers have provided significant support to the Netanyahu government, which Sanders describes as racist and extremist. He believes it is time to put an end to this,” Sanders stated.
Senator Bernie Sanders and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Getty Images)
This is not the first time Sanders has sought to block arms sales or military aid to Israel. Since December 2023, he has introduced or forced votes on resolutions five times with the aim of preventing military aid and arms worth billions of dollars from reaching Israel.
His latest effort comes in response to images showing malnourished children in Gaza, for which he holds Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accountable.
President Donald Trump listens during a meeting with Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the Oval Office of the White House July 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
“It is high time for Congress to use its leverage, in the form of tens of billions in arms and military aid, to demand an end to these atrocities by Israel,” Sanders emphasized.
The vote is anticipated to take place on Thursday, with Senate Democrats displaying a shift in their stance on Israel since the events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas carried out a violent attack on Israeli territory.
In a previous attempt earlier this year to block over $8 billion in arms sales, 15 Senate Democrats supported Sanders’ resolution, while all Senate Republicans opposed it. Although the resolutions are likely to be unsuccessful, more Democrats are expected to join Sanders in voting for them.
Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., right, speaks as Senate Majority Whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., listens during a news briefing after the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol July 22, 2025, in Washington. (Getty Images/Alex Wong)
Earlier this week, 40 Senate Democrats wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, urging the administration to advocate for increased humanitarian assistance and services in Gaza.
Senate Republicans largely attribute the reported conditions in Gaza to Hamas, with some advocating for more food aid to reach the region. President Donald Trump has promised that additional food centers, managed by Israel, will be established.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota expressed his agreement with Trump’s perspective, emphasizing the importance of addressing the needs and suffering of the people in Gaza. He acknowledged the challenge posed by terrorist groups like Hamas, which often intercept and divert food aid intended for the region.
