Given the decades-long bipartisan support for Israel in Congress, it is unlikely that any resolutions aimed at halting arms sales will be approved. However, advocates hope that raising such issues will encourage the Israeli government and US administrations to make greater efforts to protect civilians.

Supporters of the sales argue that Israel is an important ally to whom the United States should continue selling military equipment.

Bernie Sanders: Israel uses bombs in attacks on Gaza and Lebanon

Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with the Democratic bloc, called for a vote on the two resolutions, saying the sales violate foreign assistance criteria outlined in the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act.

Eleven Democrats joined all Republicans in blocking the measure, with a vote of 63 to 36. No Republican senators voted in favor of it.

Sanders noted that Israel uses bombs in attacks on Gaza and Lebanon and uses bulldozers to demolish homes in Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank.

He stated, “The United States should use the leverage we have—tens of billions in weapons and military aid—to demand that Israel stop these atrocities.”

Israel claims it does not deliberately target civilians and that its operations aim to neutralize militants and military infrastructure.

Wednesday’s vote showed an increase in support for efforts to limit arms sales to Israel. In July, two Senate resolutions that would have banned arms sales in response to civilian casualties in Gaza were blocked.

Sanders had introduced those resolutions, which were blocked with votes of 73 to 24 and 70 to 27 in the 100-member chamber.