|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
18 Senate Dems Endorse Bernie Sanders’ Bid to Stop Arm Shipments to Israel in Colossal Betrayal of US Ally
Edited by: Fern Sidman
The recent vote in the U.S. Senate to cancel $20 billion in pending arms sales to Israel marks a troubling milestone, highlighting a deepening divide over America’s unwavering commitment to its closest ally in the Middle East. While Republican senators stood firm in their unanimous opposition to this measure, a significant number of Senate Democrats chose a path that undermines Israel at a time when it faces an existential threat.
Democratic Bernie Sanders’ bill for an arms embargo on Israel was rejected by a majority of 79 senators who voted against against 18 who voted for. pic.twitter.com/Bx8N5KLLF8
— Amanda🎗️ (@Amanda43754106) November 21, 2024
The vote to halt the arms sales, already authorized by Congress, comes in the wake of the horrific October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks by Hamas, which left thousands dead and many more wounded. The timing of this measure is particularly egregious. Israel is engaged in an existential struggle against Hamas and other Iranian backed terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen and its survival depends on access to critical defense systems and munitions.
Ambassador Michael Herzog, Israel’s envoy to the United States, captured the gravity of the situation succinctly: “Anyone urging you to ban critical arms to Israel during an existential war is NOT pro-Israel.” This stark reminder serves as an indictment of the 18 Senate Democrats who voted for this measure.
🇮🇱🇺🇸 MUST LISTEN: SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM DELIVERS POWERFUL RESPONSE TO BERNIE SANDERS’ WEAPONS EMBARGO BILL ON ISRAEL
I don’t always agree with him, but here he is spot on…Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) pic.twitter.com/0Ro7D6yJL6
— Aviva Ishai (@avivamo7) November 21, 2024
Senator Chuck Schumer, often self-styled as the “Shomer Yisrael” (Guardian of Israel), failed in his leadership role by not rallying his caucus to oppose this anti-Israel measure. His refusal to whip votes against the bill stands in sharp contrast to his professed commitment to the Jewish state.
The Senate Democrats Who Betrayed Israel
History will judge the following 18 Democratic senators and their enablers harshly:
Senator Dick Durbin (Illinois): Endorsed by J Street and the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA).
Senator Bernie Sanders (Vermont): Backed by J Street.
Senator Tim Kaine (Virginia): Supported by J Street and JDCA.
Senator Chris Van Hollen (Maryland): Endorsed by J Street and JDCA.
Senator Jeff Merkley (Oregon): Supported by J Street and JDCA.
Senator Peter Welch (Vermont): Backed by J Street and JDCA.
Senator Jon Ossoff (Georgia): Endorsed by J Street and JDCA.
Senator Raphael Warnock (Georgia): Supported by J Street and JDCA.
Senator Chris Murphy (Connecticut): Backed by J Street and JDCA.
Senator Tina Smith (Minnesota): Endorsed by J Street and JDCA.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire): Supported by J Street and JDCA.
Senator Martin Heinrich (New Mexico): Endorsed by J Street and JDCA.
Senator Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts): Backed by J Street.
Senator Mazie Hirono (Hawaii): Supported by J Street and JDCA.
Senator Brian Schatz (Hawaii): Endorsed by J Street and JDCA.
Senator Ed Markey (Massachusetts): Backed by J Street and JDCA.
Senator Angus King (Maine): Supported by J Street and JDCA.
Senator Ben Ray Luján (New Mexico): Endorsed by J Street and JDCA.
These senators, many of whom are endorsed by organizations such as J Street and the JDCA, have chosen to appease anti-Israel elements rather than stand by an ally fighting for its survival.
In stark contrast, Senate Republicans unanimously opposed this dangerous measure, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to Israel and its right to self-defense. Their unity underscores a recognition of the stakes involved: allowing this arms sale to proceed is vital for maintaining Israel’s military edge and ensuring its ability to combat threats from terrorist groups and their state sponsors, such as Iran.
Speaking at the Senate Republican leadership press conference about the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its prosecutor’s unlawful pursuit of arrest warrants against Israeli officials. Republican Senator John Thune noted that while Democrats are fractured over supporting Israel, Senate Republicans stand squarely with “our greatest ally in the Middle East.”
Thune said on Tuesday, “Well, it’s been over 13 months now since Hamas terrorists waged war against Israel. And for the past year-plus, Democrats have struggled to support our ally Israel, and it has literally fractured the Democrat Party.
For example, we are expecting, tomorrow, Sen. Sanders to offer a resolution denying lethal aid to Israel.
The refusal to have our ally’s back and the hesitation to call out anti-Semitism in our own country has consequences. It enables bad behavior and bad actors around the world and encourages others to abandon Israel in their time of need.
Now, you have the International Criminal Court, or the ICC, and its prosecutor pursuing warrants against Israeli officials. That is outrageous, and it is unlawful. The ICC rogue actions are a threat to our ally Israel and, left unchecked, could pose a threat to America in the future.
I am calling on Leader Schumer to bring a bill to the floor sanctioning the ICC, which the House has already passed on a bipartisan basis.
If he refuses to act, our Senate Republican majority next year will. We will stand with Israel and make this – and other supportive legislation – a top priority in the next Congress.
So to our allies in Israel, and to the Jewish people around the world, my message to you is this: Reinforcements are on the way.
Senate Republicans reclaim the majority in six weeks. And when we do, we will make clear that the United States Congress stands squarely in Israel’s corner, and we will help the Trump-Vance administration defend Israel and promote peace in the region.”
This vote is more than a policy disagreement; it is a moral crossroads. The American people overwhelmingly support Israel in this fight of good versus evil. Israel’s military objectives – dismantling Hamas and restoring regional deterrence – align with the broader fight against terrorism and tyranny.
Senate Democrats who supported this measure must reflect on their choices. Their actions not only jeopardize Israel’s security but also embolden the very forces that seek to destabilize the region and harm American interests.
As Ambassador Herzog stated, now is the time for allies to stand unequivocally with Israel. The RJC and Senate Republicans have set the standard for moral clarity and strategic wisdom. It is imperative for all Americans who value democracy, peace, and justice to hold accountable those who failed Israel in this critical moment. The fight for Israel’s survival is a fight for the values that unite us all.
Bernie Sanders is an embarrassment – considering he says he is “Jewish” he has no idea what that means – seems to me he is more interested in his public stage and power than doing the right thing. He should be booted out of any role in politics. Since Trump won it seems like the Democrats are desperately attempting to side with Hamas and terror organizations – this is just my opinion, however I know many people (Jewish and non-Jewish) who feel the same way.