House Progressives Introduce Bill to Block Arms Sale to Israel Amid Gaza Conflict
The resolution, led by Rep. Ilhan Omar, aims to revoke the export license of a specific guided bomb kit and is a response to the ongoing war and significant civilian casualties in Gaza.
- Rep. Ilhan Omar and other House Progressives have introduced a bill to block a $320 million arms sale to Israel amid its ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza.
- The bill aims to revoke the export license of a specific type of guided bomb kit approved for sale to Israel months before the start of the war.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been criticized by Omar and others for his handling of the conflict, particularly his disregard for requests to minimize civilian casualties and institute a humanitarian pause.
- The United States currently provides the Israeli government with $3.8 billion of military aid a year, and the proposed bill is seen as a way for Congress to exercise oversight over weapons sales.
- The ongoing Israeli air strike and ground campaign in Gaza has resulted in significant civilian casualties, including more than 4,600 children, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.