Bernie Sanders Moves to Block $1B Israel Weapons Sale, Calls Gaza War ‘G*nocide’

A new political flashpoint is emerging in Washington as Senator Bernie Sanders pushes forward with another effort to challenge U.S. military support for Israel. The Vermont senator announced plans to force a Senate vote on legislation aimed at blocking nearly $1 billion in weapons sales, including bombs and heavy equipment, to the Israeli military. This move is part of a broader pattern, as Sanders has repeatedly introduced similar resolutions in recent years, though they have historically struggled to gain enough support to pass in Congress. In his remarks, Sanders sharply criticized the ongoing military campaign in Gaza, arguing that U.S. taxpayer dollars should not be used to support operations he describes as deeply harmful to civilians. His use of the term “g*nocide” reflects a growing divide within American politics, with some lawmakers and international voices echoing similar concerns, while others—including U.S. allies and Israeli officials—strongly reject that characterization. Previous attempts to block arms sales to Israel have seen limited success, with bipartisan majorities in the Senate voting them down, underscoring the longstanding U.S.-Israel alliance and the political challenges such measures face. The issue continues to highlight a widening debate in Washington over foreign policy priorities, military aid, and how the United States balances strategic alliances with humanitarian concerns in conflict zones.