The US Senate on Wednesday voted down a resolution aimed at halting American arms sales to “Israel”, exposing deepening divisions among Democrats and mounting frustration over “Israel’s” conduct in Gaza.

The resolution, led by progressive Senator Bernie Sanders, was defeated 27–70. It marked a renewed attempt to block weapons transfers to “Israel” in light of the worsening Gaza humanitarian crisis and ongoing military aggression. “This resolution is absolutely necessary because the United States will have no credibility in the international community if we don’t stand up against this,” said Sanders, an Independent, during floor debate.

The vote reflects a growing rift within the Democratic Party. While the effort failed, it drew support from 12 senators who had not previously voted to limit US arms sales to “Israel”, indicating shifting political sentiment.

This marks the third time Sanders has introduced a resolution targeting arms sales to “Israel” since late 2024. His efforts have consistently cited the toll on Palestinian civilians and violations of US legal standards for foreign military sales. The resolution would have blocked the $676 million transfer of 5,000 heavy-duty bombs and guidance kits, as well as the sale of tens of thousands of fully automatic assault rifles.

Sanders argued that continued arms sales would “clearly violate” US legal requirements, given that Washington-supplied weapons have been used in attacks that killed thousands of civilians in Gaza.

Democratic Party splits on “Israel” grow

Among the new supporters were key figures previously aligned with pro-“Israel” policies. Senator Angus King, an Independent from Maine, said he could no longer support Netanyahu’s government.

“I had just had it,” King stated. “I kept expecting that Israel would wake up and realize what an awful thing they were perpetuating… They just continued to not do it, and I just reached the point where enough was enough.”