US Senate rejects two bills aimed at halting major arms deal to “Israel”

WASHINGTON — The US Senate on Wednesday night rejected two measures introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) that sought to block a $675 million arms sale to “Israel.”

The deal included the US sale of about 5,000 bombs and related guidance equipment, along with tens of thousands of assault rifles to Israel.

Despite the resolutions’ failure, the vote reflected a notable shift within the Democratic Party, with more than half of Senate Democrats supporting the measures.

Hebrew media described it as a “record number” of senators backing an effort to halt weapons exports to “Israel.”

In a statement issued Wednesday, Senator Bernie Sanders said it was time for Congress to “end its funding of Israel’s illegal and horrific war against the Palestinian people.”

“We cannot continue to support a government that has blocked humanitarian aid and triggered a massive famine in Gaza,” he said, adding that “the United States should not be backing a government that is starving children.”

@E.Y.M