U.S. Senate Rejects Sanders's Push to Block $8.8 Billion Arms Sales to Israel

The vote highlights bipartisan support for Israel despite escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and growing Democratic divisions.

The Senate voted overwhelmingly, 82-15 and 83-15, against resolutions introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders to block $8.8 billion in arms sales to Israel.
The arms package includes tens of thousands of 2,000-pound bombs, which humanitarian groups criticize for their destructive impact in densely populated Gaza.
Israel's monthlong blockade has halted humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, leaving millions without food, water, medicine, or fuel, as over 50,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict began.
Israeli forces are advancing into Gaza to establish a 'security zone,' triggering one of the largest mass displacements of Palestinians in the war.
Sanders criticized AIPAC's influence on U.S. politics and called the arms sales a violation of international law, but faced opposition from both parties and the Trump administration.