In a statement released on Tuesday, Bernie Sanders, the progressive senator from Vermont, called on Congress to block additional funding to Israel amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Sanders expressed concern over the proportionality, morality, and potential violations of international law in Israel's military response to the war, emphasizing that the taxpayers of the United States should not be complicit in the loss of innocent lives in Gaza.
Sanders has become increasingly critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government as the military strikes in Gaza persist. Last month, he introduced a resolution urging the State Department to investigate potential human rights violations in Gaza. Sanders also condemned the U.S. veto of a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and he abstained from a vote on another UN resolution seeking "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses" in the conflict.
Sanders' statement coincides with Congress considering President Joe Biden's request for $10 billion in aid to Israel as part of a broader funding package to assist U.S. allies, including Ukraine, and address border security. Sanders notably opposed a $111 billion funding proposal backed by Democrats last month due to concerns about the included funds for Israel.
In explaining his vote against the funding bill, Sanders affirmed Israel's right to defend itself against the terrorist attack by Hamas but emphasized that it does not grant the legal or moral right to cause harm to thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians.
The funding bill faced opposition from Senate Republicans, leading to a blockage of its advancement. Bipartisan negotiations for a compromise measure have extended for weeks, with the Biden administration invoking emergency authority twice to bypass Congress and approve arms sales to Israel amidst the ongoing standoff.