Following the Senate’s rejection of Senator Sanders’ proposals, discussions over U.S. accountability and military policy toward Israel have intensified. Sanders warned that continued weapons transfers violate federal laws such as the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act, which restrict U.S. aid to countries involved in serious human rights abuses or obstruction of humanitarian relief.
The Vermont lawmaker cited growing international criticism of Israel’s military actions, including warnings from United Nations officials and humanitarian organizations that aid deliveries to Gaza have dropped to their lowest levels since the war began. Israel, for its part, has maintained that it allows the entry of food and other essential goods while continuing operations against militant groups.
In a recent opinion column, Sanders described the situation as “unspeakable and immoral,” emphasizing that much of the destruction in Gaza has been caused with U.S.-supplied weapons. He noted that over the past year alone, the United States has provided $18 billion in military assistance to Israel, including the shipment of more than 50,000 tons of armaments and supplies.
The senator called for an immediate reassessment of American involvement, arguing that the nation must uphold its own laws and moral obligations. His remarks highlight a growing movement in Congress calling for greater transparency and limitations on U.S. defense partnerships that contribute to civilian harm.
Since 1948, the United States has provided Israel with more than $310 billion in military and economic aid, making it one of Washington’s closest allies. Yet, the current conflict has strained that longstanding relationship, prompting renewed debate over how far U.S. support should extend amid global appeals for peace and restraint.
As diplomatic efforts continue to seek an end to the hostilities, political observers note that the U.S. faces an increasingly delicate balancing act—maintaining its strategic alliance while responding to escalating humanitarian and ethical concerns surrounding the war.
