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November 21, 2024 | 02:04 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The U.S. Senate on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly to block three resolutions that would have halted the transfer of some U.S. weapons to Israel, introduced by progressives concerned about the human rights catastrophe faced by Palestinians in Gaza.
All of the votes in favor came from the Democratic caucus, while "no" votes came from both Democrats and Republicans, underscoring the divide within President Biden's Democratic party over policy toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
Seventy-nine of the 100 senators voted against advancing a resolution that would have blocked sales of tank rounds to Israel, while 18 approved it and one voted present. Seventy-eight opposed a second measure, which would have stopped the shipment of mortar rounds, while 19 supported it and one voted present.
And 80 voted against a third measure that would have stopped shipments of joint direct attack munitions (JDAMS) kits, with 17 in favor and one voting present. The kits, which convert a standard unguided bomb using fins and a GPS guidance system into a guided weapon, are made by Boeing.
The "resolutions of disapproval" were filed by Senator Bernie Sanders, a progressive independent who caucuses with Democrats, and co-sponsored by a handful of Democrats who also have been critics of the treatment of civilians in the war.
Sanders had filed a total of six resolutions, covering some $20 billion in weapons for Israel, but brought up only three for votes this week.
The Biden administration opposed the resolutions. In a list of 11 talking points sent to Democratic senators, it said, among other things, that providing military equipment to Israel is an investment in Israel's long-term security as it faces threats from Iran and elsewhere, and that the administration is "working constantly" to improve conditions in Gaza.
Most of Gaza's population of 2.3 million people has been displaced, and the enclave is at risk of famine, more than a year into Israel's onslaught. Gaza health officials say more than 43,922 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive.
Sanders said the military aid to Israel violates U.S. law barring weapons sales to human rights abusers, noting the many deaths of children and older Palestinians and accusing Israel of blocking aid shipments.
"It is time to tell the Netanyahu government that they cannot use U.S. taxpayer dollars and American weapons in violation of U.S. and international law and our moral values," Sanders said in a Senate speech before the vote.
Opponents said the timing of the resolutions was inappropriate as Israel faces threats from militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah and arch-enemy Iran.
"Israel is surrounded by enemies dedicated to its annihilation," the Senate's Democratic majority leader, Chuck Schumer, said in a Senate speech before the votes.
But it could have been the last chance to stop any weapons sales before Republican President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January.
REUTERS | Patricia Zengerle
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