Senate Rejects Sanders' Bid to Block Israel Arms

The U.S. Senate has rejected Senator Bernie Sanders' resolutions to block $675 million in arms sales to Israel, with votes of 27-70 and 24-73, as all Republicans and some Democrats opposed the measures. Sanders sought to prohibit the sale of 1,000-pound bombs, guidance kits, and tens of thousands of assault rifles to Israel, citing mass starvation and civilian deaths in Gaza. A majority of Senate Democrats supported at least one resolution, revealing deep divisions within the party over U.S. support for Israel. President Trump's administration opposed the resolutions and pledged a veto, arguing that the arms sales are essential for Israel's security and U.S. interests. The votes occurred amid ongoing international concern over famine and child casualties in Gaza. Sanders and supporters maintain U.S. law bars aid to governments committing human rights abuses and urge Congress to leverage arms sales to demand an end to the crisis.