US Senator Bernie Sanders on Thursday introduced a resolution to try to block an arms sale to Israel. – CNP / NEWSCOM / SIPA
The sale of arms to Israel in the midst of escalating violence with Palestine is the subject of debate in the United States. Like elected officials from the left wing of the Democratic Party, US Senator Bernie Sanders on Thursday presented a resolution to try to block a sale in the amount of $ 735 million.
“At a time when US-made bombs are devastating Gaza, killing women and children, we simply cannot let another huge arms sale go on without even having a debate in Congress,” he wrote. the independent senator.
Little chance of success
This figure of the American left has the power to put this resolution to a vote even without the agreement of the leader of the Democratic majority, Chuck Schumer. However, it seems very unlikely that she will be able to collect the 51 votes necessary for her passage, since many Democrats do not support this measure.
Congress was formally informed on May 5 of a $ 735 million arms sale to Israel’s Defense Ministry. According to parliamentary rules, elected officials have until Thursday to present a resolution opposing it and approve it. But supporters of the resolution say a vote could be organized even after that date.
Direct attack armaments
On Wednesday, elected members of the left wing of the Democrats, led by young parliamentarian Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, presented a similar resolution in the House of Representatives. “While many voices, including that of (US) President Biden, support a ceasefire, we should not send ‘direct attack’ weaponry to (Israeli) Prime Minister Netanyahu to prolong the violence” , she wrote.
Despite the Democratic majority in the House, this text also has very little chance of passing. The leaders of the parliamentary group have not even set a date for a vote.
Criticism of the Hebrew state among moderate democrats
A large majority of Jewish Americans call themselves Democrats and the party has traditionally supported Israel, save for a few critical voices. The conflagration between Israel and the Palestinians, however, sparked further criticism of the Jewish state among moderate Democrats.
Joe Biden hardened his tone on Wednesday with Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for a de-escalation “today” towards a ceasefire. The military escalation between Israel and Hamas has left at least 239 dead in ten days, mostly Palestinians.