Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced a resolution aimed at increasing transparency regarding the use of U.S.-provided military equipment and aid by Israel in the Gaza war.
Sen. Bernie Sanders said, “Very sensibly, the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 … requires that any security assistance or military equipment provided by the United States to any country must be used in line with internationally recognized human rights.”
“Do you support asking the State Department whether human rights violations may have occurred using U.S. equipment or assistance in this war?” asked the senator.
It shouldn't be controversial for Congress to ask for information on how U.S. arms are being used in Israel’s military campaign in Palestine. I am LIVE NOW as the Senate votes on my resolution which would do just that. https://t.co/7hxjgSrkx6
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) January 16, 2024
The resolution did not aim to reduce aid to Israel but required the State Department to report on the use of U.S.-supplied weapons.
Despite this, only 11 senators voted against tabling the resolution.
“A vote for this resolution is simply to request more information on a tragic situation that the American people care deeply about. That’s it,” said Sanders.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren said, “Prime Minister Netanyahu has to understand that he does not get a blank check from the United States Congress.”
“We have a responsibility to stand up now and say that given how Netanyahu and his right-wing war Cabinet have prosecuted this war, we have serious questions that we are obligated to ask before we go further in our support,” she continued.
Sen. Mitch McConnell said Sanders was “tying the hands of a close ally locked in a necessary battle against savage terrorists.”
Sanders said, “The Wall Street Journal reported on Dec. 1 that the U.S. had provided at least 15,000 bombs and 57,000 artillery shells to Israel, including more than 5,400 huge 2,000-pound bombs that can flatten entire neighborhoods.”
“The Washington Post reported that, in just six weeks after Oct. 7, Israel dropped more than 22,000 American-supplied bombs on Gaza,” Sanders continued.
“Much of what is happening right now is being done with U.S. arms and equipment. In other words, whether we like it or not, the U.S. is complicit in the nightmare that millions of Palestinians are now experiencing,” added the Vermont Democrat.
Some senators expressed concerns about civilian casualties and the use of U.S. assistance, while others opposed the resolution, fearing it could impact aid to Israel.
Sen. Chris Coons said, “I am also concerned about how Israel is conducting the campaign in Gaza.”
“Israeli military should be shifting to a more targeted campaign against Hamas in Gaza and doing more to protect civilians,” suggested Coons.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth said, “My vote tonight must not be confused for condoning specific policies of the Netanyahu government, many of which I’ve long and vocally opposed.”
She also criticized “the unacceptable humanitarian crisis that innocent civilians in Gaza, including thousands of precious children, have endured.”
The debate highlights the moral responsibility of the U.S. in supplying military aid and the need for compliance with international law.
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