U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders’ attempt to block a $500 million arms deal to Israel failed after a Senate vote. The resolutions aimed to prevent 12,000 bombs and armored bulldozers from being sent, citing concerns over escalating the conflict with Iran after a 14-day ceasefire. The deal’s approval raises questions about the war’s continuation as U.S.-Iran talks proceed in Islamabad, with Pakistan serving as the mediator.
A bid by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders to stop a $500 million arms deal to Israel was voted down by lawmakers. The failed measures sought to halt weapons shipments intended to prevent further escalation after a ceasefire ends.
The deal will now allow 12,000 bombs and armored bulldozers to reach Israel‘s Tel Aviv. This development creates doubt about whether the war will continue following the 14-day truce.
The vote occurred while the U.S. and Iran are holding talks in Pakistan’s Islamabad. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Pakistan is the “only mediator” for the discussions.
Senator Sanders and other Democrats argued the arms deal and former President Donald Trump‘s role in the war are illegal. Senator Chris Van Hollen said, “If we want to rein in a Trump administration that launched an illegal war against Iran, we should also rein in the Netanyahu administration that’s doing exactly the same thing with American taxpayer dollars.”
Senator Sanders warned that Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu will continue the war with the new arms. “For Netanyahu, Gaza was not enough,” he stated, adding, “Attacking Iran was not enough. Netanyahu is now waging a full-blown war of expansion against Lebanon.”
