The progressive American senator Bernie Sanders presented a resolution this Tuesday to block a new sale of 20,000 million dollars of weapons of USA a Israel and demanded that the “complicity” of the US Government with the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
The resolution, supported by Democratic senators Chris Van Hollen, Peter Welch by Jeff Merkleydoes not seem to have any chance of being approved in a Congress with a majority aligned in unconditional support for the Government of Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a press conference, Sanders declared that Israel has “the right to respond to the terrifying Hamas attack” on October 7, 2023, but noted that “Prime Minister Netanyahu’s radical government has not only waged a war against Hamas but against the Palestinian people.
“The most painful thing is that most of what is happening is being done with American weapons and American taxpayer money.”said Sanders, who showed some photographs of Gazan children affected by bombings and famine.
The Vermont senator, who aspired to the Democratic Party’s presidential candidacy in 2016 and 2020, defined the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave as “apocalyptic.”
«The most important thing of all is that the United States is complicit in these atrocities. “This complicity must end.”he stressed.
The Secretaries of State and Defense of the United States, Antony Blinken y Lloyd Austinsent a letter last month to the Israeli government in which they conditioned future support for Israel on alleviating suffering in Gaza.
Having passed the 30-day ultimatum, the Democrat Administration Joe Biden has not announced any change in its policy of unconditional support for the Israeli Government, while the offensive on the Palestinian enclave continues.
Sanders stressed that US law prohibits the sale or transfer of weapons to countries that commit serious violations of human rights or block humanitarian aid.
“Perhaps we are too old-fashioned in believing that the United States must follow the law,” the senator declared.
The leader of the Republicans in the Senate, Mitch McConnellopposed Sanders’ resolution on Tuesday by declaring that “those who lament human suffering should have no problem blaming (Hamas) terrorists for using civilians, schools, hospitals and mosques as refuge.” EFE (I)
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Considering the historical context of US aid to Israel, is it feasible for the US to maintain its security commitments while simultaneously demanding greater adherence to international humanitarian law and Palestinian rights?
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: US Arms Sales to Israel Under Fire
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we delve into the heated debate surrounding US arms sales to Israel amidst escalating violence in the Middle East. Senator Bernie Sanders recently introduced a resolution to halt a $20 billion arms deal, sparking a nationwide conversation about US complicity and humanitarian responsibilities in the region.
To shed light on this complex issue, we are joined by two distinguished guests:
* **Dr. Sarah Al-Amin**, a leading expert on Middle Eastern politics and human rights at the Brookings Institution, and
* **Mr. Mark Robinson**, a former Pentagon strategist and advocate for a strong US-Israel alliance.
**Section 1: The Senate Resolution and its Implications**
**Interviewer:** Senator Sanders’ resolution faces an uphill battle in Congress. Dr. Al-Amin, could you elaborate on the political landscape surrounding this issue, especially considering the historical bipartisan support for Israel within the US government?
**Dr. Al-Amin:**
**Interviewer** Mr. Robinson, Senator Sanders argues that the US is complicit in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza by supplying Israel with weaponry. How do you respond to this?
**Mr. Robinson:**
**Section 2: US Role in the Conflict: Aid vs. Responsibility**
**Interviewer:** The article mentions that the Biden administration reiterated its commitment to Israel while also urging them to ease the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Dr. Al-Amin, can the US continue to support Israel militarily while simultaneously demanding humanitarian relief for Palestinians?
**Dr. Al-Amin:**
**Interviewer:** Mr. Robinson, some argue that conditioning US aid on Israel’s actions could be counterproductive. What are your thoughts on this approach?
**Mr. Robinson:**
**Section 3: Navigating a Path Forward**
**Interviewer:** This situation raises fundamental questions about US foreign policy principles. What are possible pathways for the US to reconcile its security commitments to Israel with its moral obligations towards civilians in Gaza and the wider Palestinian population?
**Dr. Al-Amin:**
**Interviewer:** Mr. Robinson, given the complexities of this conflict, what are some practical steps the US can take to contribute to a lasting and peaceful resolution?
**Mr. Robinson:**
**Conclusion:**
The debate surrounding US arms sales to Israel is likely to intensify in the coming months. We thank Dr. Al-Amin and Mr. Robinson for their insightful perspectives on this crucial issue.
As the world watches the unfolding events in the Middle East, it is essential to encourage informed discussion and nuanced understanding of all sides of this deeply complex conflict.
