Democratic Divides Exposed by Sanders’ Failed Arms Sale Resolutions

Senator Bernie Sanders’ efforts to curtail U.S. arms sales to Israel underscore deeper fissures within the Democratic Party.

Key Insights

The Senate rejected two resolutions to block $8.8 billion in arms sales to Israel
Senator Bernie Sanders introduced the resolutions, citing concerns over Gaza
Support among Senate Democrats decreased, dividing the party further
The defeat of these resolutions gave Republicans an opportunity to critique Democratic positions on Israel

Failed Resolutions Signal Democratic Discord

The U.S. Senate decisively rejected two resolutions spearheaded by Senator Bernie Sanders aimed at blocking $8.8 billion in arms sales to Israel. Sanders, a longstanding critic of Israeli policies and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, introduced the resolutions, citing concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza. Despite fervent lobbying, only 15 senators backed the measures, down from the previous year’s broader support among Democrats. This reflected a decline in intra-party consensus over military aid to Israel within the context of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

S. J. Res. 33 and S. J. Res. 26, proposed by Sanders, sought to emphasize opposition to civilian harm in Gaza. However, the partisan divide and the contentious nature of the issue left some senators wary of supporting the measures. Sanders passionately addressed his colleagues, stating, “History will not forgive us for this” in an attempt to sway votes toward his stance. Unsuccessfully, as only a fraction of Democrats joined the fold, leaving the resolutions far short of the endorsements needed.

Backlash and Criticism Within Democratic Ranks

Several Democratic senators who previously supported similar resolutions with Sanders, including Raphael Warnock, Jon Ossoff, Jeanne Shaheen, and Angus King, opposed the current proposals. Senator Jon Ossoff, in particular, faced significant backlash from over 50 Jewish organizations in Georgia, which criticized his stance and argued that such moves “provide cover for those who seek to harm the Jews around the world and further fuels the surge in antisemitism.” Former Secretary of State Antony Blinken also warned that perceived pressure on Israel could embolden adversaries like Hamas.

Many Democrats, including respected voices like Antony Blinken, argue that weakening Israel’s defense capabilities through arms sales restrictions could alienate Jewish and pro-Israel voters. For instance, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, now a top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, opposed the resolutions in hopes of fostering peace negotiations. Both Shaheen and Angus King believed that the resolutions might inadvertently prolong the conflict rather than contribute to a nuanced resolution.

I'm forcing votes in the Senate to block the sale of $8.8 billion in heavy bombs to Israel.

We must not be complicit in the destruction of Gaza. History won't forgive us.

Every Senator who supports the rule of law should vote for these resolutions. https://t.co/sgEHUyagYh

— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) April 3, 2025

Republican Response and Future Implications

The National Republican Senatorial Committee seized upon the failure of these resolutions to attack Senator Jon Ossoff’s voting record, showcasing broader Democratic vulnerabilities on Israel policy. The decline in support for Sanders’ resolutions among Democrats suggests an increasing awareness of the potential repercussions on U.S.-Israel relations and the domestic political landscape.

Senator Andy Kim expressed specific concerns about the weapons’ potential for disproportionate civilian casualties, indicating a complex balancing act within the Democratic Party: support for Israel’s defense mechanisms versus the humanitarian concerns associated with such sales. Kim’s viewpoint is shared by many in the party, reflecting the thorny equation faced by Democrats aiming to balance security concerns with critically voiced humanitarian priorities.