U.S. Senate Blocks Resolutions to Halt $450 Million Weapons Sale to Israel

The U.S. Senate voted Wednesday to reject two resolutions that sought to block approximately $450 million in military equipment sales to Israel, including bombs and bulldozers. Republicans united in opposition to the measures, reinforcing President Donald Trump's continued support for the longstanding U.S.-Israel alliance.

Despite the defeat, the votes revealed growing dissatisfaction among Senate Democrats over the civilian toll from Israeli military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. A large majority of the 47-member Democratic caucus backed the resolutions, signaling a notable shift in sentiment within the party.

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent aligned with Democrats, introduced both measures, arguing the sales breach key provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act. The first resolution targeted a $295 million deal involving Caterpillar D9R and D9T bulldozers and related support, which was defeated 59 to 40. Seven Democrats crossed party lines to vote against it alongside Republicans. The second resolution aimed to block a $151.8 million sale of 12,000 BLU-110A/B general purpose 1,000-pound bombs, falling short 63 to 36, with eleven Democrats joining Republicans in opposition.

Sanders argued that Israel uses these weapons and bulldozers to carry out attacks and demolish homes in conflict zones, calling on the U.S. to leverage its military aid to end what he described as atrocities. Israel, however, maintains that its military operations are aimed at neutralizing militant threats, not targeting civilians.

Wednesday's votes mark a clear uptick in congressional pushback compared to July, when similar resolutions failed by wider margins of 73 to 24 and 70 to 27. The Trump administration had also bypassed standard congressional review of the sales, citing an emergency requiring the immediate transfer of weapons to Israel.