The U.S. Senate has decisively approved a controversial $20 billion arms deal with Israel, despite strong opposition led by Senator Bernie Sanders. The deal, which includes advanced weapons like tank rounds and Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), has drawn significant debate in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Sanders had introduced three resolutions to block the deal, citing concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza and the ethical implications of U.S. military aid.

While progressive lawmakers, including Sanders, have criticized the deal for contributing to a humanitarian crisis, the Senate rejected the resolutions with only 19 senators voting in favor. This decision underscores the strong bipartisan support for Israel’s security in Congress, even amidst growing concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict.

Senator Sanders has been an outspoken critic of U.S. arms sales to Israel, especially in light of reports showing that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in thousands of Palestinian civilian casualties. He argued that U.S. weapons should not be used in ways that violate international law or exacerbate human suffering. “We cannot allow our weapons to be used in ways that perpetuate the suffering of innocent people,” Sanders said in his appeal to the Senate.

Despite Sanders’ efforts, prominent leaders from both parties defended the arms sale, emphasizing Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas rocket attacks. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer reiterated that Israel is one of America’s closest allies, with its security needs being non-negotiable. “Israel’s security is paramount, especially in light of the continuous threats from Hamas,” Schumer said.

The Biden administration also strongly backed the arms sale, framing it as crucial to maintaining Israel’s military edge in the volatile Middle East. A spokesperson for the White House emphasized that the U.S. must continue supporting Israel’s ability to respond to threats while also urging measures to protect civilians. “Israel’s security is central to U.S. foreign policy,” the spokesperson said.

Progressive lawmakers, however, have increasingly questioned the U.S. approach to Israel, calling for greater accountability in foreign policy. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey voiced support for Sanders’ resolutions, arguing that unconditional military aid undermines U.S. moral authority. Human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have also backed Sanders, urging the U.S. to condition military aid on respect for international law.

The Senate vote highlights the deep-rooted alliance between the U.S. and Israel but also signals a shift in the political conversation regarding U.S. support for Israel. With concerns about human rights and civilian protection on the rise, the debate over military aid to Israel is likely to intensify in the coming years.

As Sanders noted, the vote represents more than just a single arms sale; it reflects broader questions about the values the U.S. should uphold in its foreign policy. While the arms deal will move forward, the discussions surrounding it could have lasting implications for the future of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.