Although former presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders’ attempt to link US aid to Israel’s treatment of Palestinians was overwhelmingly rejected by lawmakers, he was successful in sparking a heated discussion on the subject.
With nine Democrats voting in favor of Sanders and one Republican, Rand Paul, voting against the resolution, the Senate voted 72 to 11.
“The number of Democrats who supported the measure reflects rising dissatisfaction among progressives over the civilian casualties in Gaza, which are now said to exceed 24,000,” noted The Hill, a Washington newspaper covering Congressional activities.
According to the newspaper, those who supported the plan were “making it clear to President Joe Biden that his party is having serious issues with the Gaza War.” Sanders brought attention to the pressing need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza by advocating for the resolution. Even the resolution’s opponents agreed that an immediate end to hostilities in the area was urgently needed.
Senator Chris Coons of Delaware expressed his “deep concern” for the humanitarian situation in Gaza and stated that Israel “should be doing more to protect civilians and shifting to a more targeted campaign against Hamas in Gaza.”
Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey said that claims that Israel has violated human rights would be investigated, but he thought the resolution was not the right course of action.
Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland has introduced an alternative bill that would require arms supplied to Israel and Ukraine to abide by international humanitarian law, US law, and the law of armed conflict. Senator Tom Carper of Delaware stated that he would support this measure.
Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, who is well-known for investigating US allies’ violations of human rights, expressed doubts about Israel’s military campaign. They all voted against Sanders’s resolution because they disagreed with cutting off funding for Israel and believed that Israel should have the right to self-defense.
