On November 20, 2024, the Senate decisively rejected three resolutions introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders aimed at blocking a $20 billion arms sale to Israel. The proposed measures sought to prevent the transfer of advanced weaponry, such as tank and mortar rounds and JDAMs, citing concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza.

Despite growing pressure from progressive lawmakers to reconsider U.S. military aid to Israel, only 19 senators—17 Democrats and 2 independents—supported the resolutions. This outcome highlights the bipartisan commitment to U.S.-Israel relations, even amid heightened scrutiny of Israel’s military actions and humanitarian impacts.

Senator Sanders, a vocal advocate for human rights and a critic of Israeli policies in Gaza, pushed for the resolutions due to significant civilian casualties reported during the conflict. Thousands of Palestinian civilians, including women and children, have reportedly been killed or displaced by Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas militants.