Senate Democrats running in competitive races in November are distancing themselves from an effort to block military aid to Israel as the vulnerable incumbents seek to hold on to their seats and defend the party’s slim majority in the upper chamber.
A number of embattled Democrats are opposing a proposal led by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) to block the sale of more than $20 billion in weapons transfers to Israel. Sanders introduced the resolutions last week before Congress adjourned for recess, and the senator is expected to push for a vote when the Senate returns in November.
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However, a handful of Democrats running in some of the most competitive states have come out against the proposal, arguing the United States should continue efforts to assist its ally.
“At a time when Israel is under attack from Iran’s terrorist proxies like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, calls to limit security assistance to our democratic ally Israel are wrong and dangerous,” Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) told the Washington Examiner in a statement. “As Iran, China, and Russia deepen their military ties, it’s in our interest that America’s allies can defend themselves. This resolution would undermine Israel’s ability to defend against mounting regional threats, which is why I’ll do everything in my power to block it.”
Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) echoed similar sentiments, noting Congress has already approved aid to Israel on “an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis.”
“Turning back on that aid would be reckless and irresponsible,” Casey told Jewish Insider. “I remain committed to standing with Israel and its right to protect itself while we also work to bring the hostages home and provide much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.”
A spokesperson for Sen. Jon Tester (R-MT) told the Washington Examiner he also opposes the resolutions. Meanwhile, Sen. Sherrod Brown (R-OH) is still reviewing the legislation but “has some concerns about Senator Sanders’ approach.”
“Senator Brown strongly believes that Israel has a clear and undeniable right to defend itself against Hamas’ brutal terrorism and voted to send military aid to Israel, along with much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza,” Kevin Donohue, a spokesman for Brown, said in a statement. “Ultimately, Senator Brown believes that Israel and Hamas must agree to a ceasefire that ends the war, frees the hostages, and delivers desperately needed humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.”
Sanders introduced the resolutions alongside Sens. Peter Welch (D-VT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) on Wednesday, just days before the Israeli military assassinated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Friday. That attack received widespread support from both political parties, with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris calling it an “act of justice” and reiterating their support for Israel to defend itself.
The war in Israel has largely split Democrats as some members of the party have broken with leadership to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. That divide has even spilled over into the 2024 election as leaders of the Arab and Muslim-American communities have urged voters to withhold their support from Harris to protest the Biden administration’s lack of support for a ceasefire.
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It’s unclear if Sanders will back off his efforts to force a vote on his resolutions, and the Washington Examiner contacted the senator’s office for comment.