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Last night, the Senate voted against three resolutions that sought to restrict U.S. arms sales to Israel, a decision that poses serious questions about America’s commitment to upholding international law and human rights. The proposals, introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders, aimed to block the sale of $20 billion in offensive weaponry, such as tank shells and high-explosive mortar rounds, weapons that have reportedly caused widespread civilian casualties in Gaza.
Latifa Jamel sees this as a pivotal moment highlighting the inconsistencies in U.S. foreign policy. On one hand, American laws explicitly prohibit arms sales to countries engaging in gross violations of human rights. Yet, in practice, these policies are often overlooked when applied to nations like Israel, even amidst substantial evidence of indiscriminate attacks and the obstruction of humanitarian aid in Gaza. For Jamel, this is not just a political issue but a matter of legal and moral accountability.
What was particularly striking about this vote was the shift within the Democratic Party. At least 17 Democratic senators supported one of the resolutions, signaling growing dissent against unconditional U.S. support for Israel. This marks a departure from the historical norm, where such restrictions on arms sales were largely unthinkable. Jamel views this as a reflection of increasing frustration with the Biden administration’s approach, particularly its failure to address the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza. By continuing to supply weapons, the U.S. government undermines its credibility as a proponent of international justice and human rights.
Jamel also emphasizes that this debate is about more than halting arms sales—it’s about leveraging U.S. influence to push for a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to the conflict. Providing Israel with offensive weapons, she argues, sends a dangerous message of impunity, one that perpetuates cycles of violence and collective punishment against civilians. Instead, she calls for policies rooted in justice, where human rights take precedence over political alliances.
This vote underscores a growing awareness, even within the Senate, that America’s role in the Gaza conflict must be reevaluated. For Jamel, it’s a reminder that standing up for human rights is not just a legal obligation but a moral one, and Congress must act decisively to align U.S. foreign policy with these principles.