Should the US keep supplying weapons to Israel?

Last week, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced a series of joint resolutions to block the Pentagon from selling $20 billion worth of weapons to Israel.

The resolutions, sponsored by Sanders and a pair of Democratic senators, seek to force a vote in Congress to block the US – Israel’s biggest weapons supplier – from adding to the 15,000+ bombs and Hellfire missiles it has provided Israel since the start of the Gaza war.

Driving the move: The resolution claims that while Israel has the right to defend itself following the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has instead waged an all-out war against the Palestinian people, leaving more than 41,000 Palestinians dead and 95,000 injured.

• The resolution also claims Israel’s use of US weapons violates international law, and accuses Netanyahu of blocking US humanitarian aid to Gaza.

On the flip side: The general consensus among US lawmakers is that Israel should be encouraged to do more to protect civilians, but its ability to defend itself should not be limited by American policy.

• The US has partnered with Israel on security and intelligence efforts for decades, with both countries working together to counter the expansion of Iranian influence in the Middle East.

Zoom out: An estimated 60% of Americans favor the US supporting Israel militarily until all hostages are returned, and about half (49%) favor such support until Hamas is dismantled – though a narrow majority also think the US should condition its military aid so that it’s not used against Palestinian civilians.

Looking ahead… Congress will review and vote on Sanders’ resolution when it reconvenes in November, though analysts say it’s unlikely to pass.

📊 Flash poll: In your opinion, should the US keep supplying weapons to Israel with little or no conditions?

• Yes
• No
• Unsure/other