Bernie Sanders Moves to Block Trump-Israel Arms Deal/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Senator Bernie Sanders is pushing two resolutions to block President Trump’s latest arms sales to Israel, citing humanitarian concerns. The $12 billion in weapons includes 1,000-pound bombs and assault rifles used in Gaza. Sanders says the move violates U.S. laws prohibiting aid to abusive governments.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is escalating efforts to block the Trump administration’s planned multi-billion-dollar weapons sale to Israelfiling two privileged resolutions aimed at cutting off U.S. military support over mounting allegations of war crimes and humanitarian abuses in Gaza.
The resolutions, S.J.Res.34 and S.J.Res.41seek to prevent the transfer of 1,000-pound bombs, JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) kits, assault rifles, and military support to the Israeli government. They were originally introduced in March, but Sanders has now signaled his intent to force votes on the Senate floor this Wednesday.
Because the resolutions are privileged under U.S. law, they bypass the filibuster and cannot be amendedrequiring only a simple majority for passage.
Though Sanders’ previous attempt to block a $9 billion weapons deal earlier this year garnered only 14 votesall from Democrats, signs suggest momentum may be shifting. Senator Angus King (I-Maine)who didn’t support the earlier effort, announced he now favors a complete end to U.S. support for Israel until humanitarian conditions in Gaza dramatically improve.
This comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensifies, with widespread famine and blocked aid deliveries attributed to Israeli military tactics — actions critics say violate international and domestic laws.
According to Sanders and several legal scholars, the weapons sales directly violate provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Actwhich prohibit U.S. support for governments engaged in gross human rights abuses.
His office cites credible reports documenting the use of U.S.-made JDAMs and 1,000-pound bombs in indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure — including United Nations schools and humanitarian shelters.
Moreover, the assault rifles in question would equip Israeli police forces under the authority of Itamar Ben-Reala far-right figure previously convicted in Israel for supporting terrorism. Ben-Gvir is also accused of arming violent West Bank settler groupsintensifying fears that U.S. arms could escalate regional violence.
Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has approved roughly $12 billion in weapons transfers to Israel. These include the controversial 2,000-pound bombs previously restricted under the Biden administration due to concerns they were used to target densely populated civilian zones.
Trump has maintained that military support for Israel is “non-negotiable” as part of his administration’s efforts to “restore American leadership in the Middle East.” But critics say that support comes at the cost of American credibility and human rights accountability.
Human rights groups and policy advocates have rallied behind Sanders’ resolution. Hassan El-TayyabMiddle East policy director at the Friends Committee on National Legislation, praised the move.
Public support for cutting aid has also grown. Recent polling shows rising disapproval among U.S. voters toward unconditional military aid to Israel, particularly among independents and younger Americans.
If the resolutions pass the Senate, they will put pressure on House Democrats — and potentially moderate Republicans — to confront the Trump administration’s foreign policy directly. Even if they fail again, the votes could serve as a symbolic turning point, underscoring growing unease in Washington about unrestrained arms sales and their humanitarian consequences.
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