In a move that could potentially halt military aid to Israel, Senator Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) is set to force a vote on a resolution demanding a review of Israel's human rights record during its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The New York Times reports that the Senate will vote on Tuesday on the resolution, which mandates the State Department to produce a review within 30 days. Should the department fail to deliver the report, aid to Israel would be suspended until the report is produced or the Senate separately authorizes the continuation of aid.
Sanders expressed his concerns to the Times, stating, "There is growing concern among the American people and in Congress that what Israel is doing now is not a war against Hamas, but a war against the Palestinian people." He added, "That with American military aid, children are starving to death, is to meI mean, I just dont know what adjectives I can use. Its disgraceful. And I think Im not the only one who feels that."
However, the resolution's chances of passing in the Senate are slim, according to the Times. Some Democrats, including Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, have voiced objections to the timing of the resolution. This would be the first time since 1976 that Congress has invoked human rights authority.
Blumenthal told the Times, "Theres no question that the administration can and should continue to push for reduced civilian casualties and more humanitarian assistance, along with a possible pause that will enable return of the hostages." He added, "But right now, Israel is locked in a life-or-death struggle against a terrorist organization sworn to annihilate it and the Jewish people, and I believe we must maintain both military and humanitarian assistance."
John Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council, also expressed doubts about the proposed measure last week, particularly its timing. Kirby told reporters, "The Israelis have indicated they are preparing to transition their operations to a much lower intensity. And we believe that transition will be helpful both in terms of reducing civilian casualties, as well as increasing humanitarian assistance."
This is not Sanders' first critique of military aid to Israel during its conflict in Gaza. Last month, he penned a letter to President Joe Biden's administration, urging it to maintain support for Israel's defensive systems like the Iron Dome, but to slash over $10 billion earmarked for the Israeli bombardment of the Palestinian enclave.
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