Senate Rejects Bids To Block Arms Sales To Israel

The US Senate rejected two resolutions aimed at blocking arms sales to Israel due to concerns over civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip. The resolutions, introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders, would have stopped the export of over 5,000 bombs and guidance kits and 20,000 firearms. Sanders argued that American taxpayer dollars were being used to harm civilians, while Senator Jim Risch countered that the resolutions were misguided and would abandon America's closest ally in the Middle East. The situation in the Gaza Strip is a result of Hamas's actions, according to Risch. Israel began its military operations against Hamas after a deadly attack on October 7, 2023, which killed over 1,200 civilians and kidnapped 251. The Gaza Strip's Ministry of Health reported over 60,000 people killed since then, although the accuracy of these figures cannot be verified. Meanwhile, several Western nations, including France, the UK, and Canada, have indicated plans to recognize a Palestinian state, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes, saying it would "reward terror" and risk the creation of another Iranian proxy.