Washington: The U.S. Senate voted resoundingly on Wednesday to block three resolutions aimed at halting the transfer of certain U.S. weapons to Israel.
These resolutions, introduced by progressive lawmakers, were prompted by growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and the impact of U.S. military aid on the conflict.
The vote highlighted a deep divide in Congress, with progressives advocating for a reassessment of U.S. foreign policy amid ongoing violence, while many members of both parties voiced strong support for continued military assistance to Israel.
All the votes in favour came from the Democratic caucus, while the “no” votes were cast by members from both parties, underscoring the growing rift within President Biden’s Democratic Party over its position on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
Seventy-nine of the 100 senators voted against advancing a resolution that would have blocked sales of tank rounds to Israel, while 18 approved it and one voted present. Seventy-eight opposed a second measure, which would have stopped the shipment of mortar rounds, while 19 supported it and one voted present.
80 voted against a third measure that would have stopped shipments of joint direct attack munitions (JDAMS) kits, with 17 in favour and one voting present.
