A growing bloc of Democrats has broken ranks to back Bernie Sanders in a high-stakes bid to block US arms sales to Israel, exposing deepening fractures over the Gaza and Iran conflicts and piling pressure on party leadership.

Rebellion Grows — But Falls Short

More than three dozen Democrats supported two resolutions to halt transfers of bombs and bulldozers to Israel. Both measures failed decisively, defeated 40–59 and 36–63 with unified Republican opposition.

Yet the numbers tell a sharper story. Support for Sanders’ position has more than doubled since similar votes in 2024, signalling a fast-moving shift inside the party.

Netanyahu’s Wars Drive the Divide

Sanders framed the votes as a moral and economic reckoning, targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US backing for his campaigns. He argued billions in military aid are increasingly at odds with domestic hardship in the US.

The dissent reflects mounting anger over civilian casualties in Gaza, regional escalation involving Iran and Lebanon, and continued tensions in the West Bank.

Key Democrats Break — Others Hold the Line

Notably, Mark Kelly shifted position to support the resolutions, citing “reckless decisions” by both Netanyahu and Donald Trump. He pointed to risks facing civilians across multiple fronts and warned the current trajectory is undermining any path to peace.

But senior figures including Chuck Schumer held firm against the measures, underscoring the party’s internal stalemate.

Protests Spill Into Arrests

Outside Congress, tensions are boiling over. Nearly 100 protesters were arrested after demonstrations targeting New York senators, accusing them of enabling Israeli military actions.

Activists say public opinion is shifting rapidly, with support for Israel becoming an increasingly contested issue among Democratic voters.

Republicans Warn of Strategic Fallout

Republicans pushed back hard, arguing the resolutions risk weakening Israel at a critical moment. Jim Risch warned the move could embolden Iran and signal wavering US commitment.

The clash leaves Washington navigating a narrowing path — balancing alliance obligations, domestic political pressure and the escalating risk of a wider regional conflict.

Growing discontent as 36 Democrats back Bernie Sanders’ bid to block arms sales to Israel

Bernie, of all people... a Jew... calling for blockade of arms sales to a Jewish homeland.

5 minutes ago, tomazbodner said:

Bernie, of all people... a Jew... calling for blockade of arms sales to a Jewish homeland.

Perhaps he doesn’t like murder and genocide.

If the Israeli government continues killing Palestinians and stealing their land, support from Americans might stop... Israel will be in great danger.

34 minutes ago, tomazbodner said:

Bernie, of all people... a Jew... calling for blockade of arms sales to a Jewish homeland.

Probably because it isn't his Homeland. He is an American.