Full Breakdown
U.S. Senate Votes on Arms Sales to Israel Amid Gaza Conflict
4/16/2026, 6:57:51 AM
Senate Resolutions Blocked
On a recent Wednesday, the U.S. Senate voted against two resolutions aimed at halting military sales to Israel amid ongoing hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon. The first resolution, SJ Res. 32, introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), sought to disapprove a proposed sale of $295 million worth of Caterpillar D9 bulldozers and related services. These bulldozers have been implicated in the destruction of civilian structures in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. The Senate voted 59-40 against advancing this resolution, marking a significant increase in opposition compared to previous votes, where only 27 senators had opposed similar sales.
The second resolution, SJ Res. 138, co-sponsored by Sanders and Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), aimed to block the sale of 12,000 BLU–110A/B general-purpose bombs. This resolution was also defeated, with a vote of 63-36 against advancement.
Context of the Resolutions
The use of Caterpillar D9 bulldozers in military operations has drawn criticism due to their role in demolishing homes and displacing civilians. Notably, the bulldozers were involved in the death of American activist Rachel Corrie in 2003, who was killed while protesting home demolitions in Rafah, Gaza. Critics argue that the continued sale of military equipment to Israel sends a message of approval for its military actions, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the votes, Senator Sanders expressed optimism, stating that over 80% of the Democratic caucus supported the effort to block military aid to Israel. He noted the increase in opposition from just 11 votes previously to 40 in the recent resolution. Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) emphasized that approving arms sales at this time would signal support for the actions of both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former President Donald Trump regarding the conflict.
Matt Duss, executive vice president at the Center for International Policy, criticized Democratic senators who voted against the resolutions, labeling their actions as "cowardly." He highlighted that the situation in Israel has deteriorated since previous statements made by some senators regarding arms transfers.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the growing number of senators opposing military sales, dissent remains. Dylan Williams, vice president for government affairs at the Center for International Policy, acknowledged the progress made but expressed concern over the votes of a few Democrats and all Republicans in favor of supplying arms. He noted that the Biden and Trump administrations have provided over $21 billion in military aid to Israel since October 2023, despite ongoing allegations of war crimes against Israeli officials by the International Criminal Court.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Today, more than 80% of the Democratic caucus stood with the American people and voted to block US military aid to [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu and his horrific, illegal wars.” — Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator
- “) said following Wednesday's votes: A vote to approve arms sales to Israel at this time would be seen as a message of approval for [President Donald] Trump and Netanyahu’s disastrous war against Iran.” — Ed Markey, U.S. Senator
- “the fact that 40 of 47 Democratic senators voted to withhold military hardware from Israel is a new high water mark in holding Israel accountable for violating US and international law.” — Dylan Williams, Center for International Policy
This recent Senate action reflects a growing divide within U.S. politics regarding military support for Israel and raises questions about the implications for U.S. foreign policy in the region.
