The Biden administration is quietly urging Senate Democrats to oppose pending legislation seeking to block $20 billion in military aid to the Jewish state, according to a report by The Times of Israel.
Two U.S. sources told the Israeli newspaper that while the measure is likely to fail, the White House is worried about the political fallout if too many Democratic members of the chamber vote in favor of the arms embargo.
The proposal, sponsored by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Peter Welch (D-VT), aims to cancel six weapon consignments to Israel’s armed forces, including munitions, tactical vehicles, and a squadron of F-15 fighter jets.
Supporters of the restrictions argue that Jerusalem has not done enough to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza, despite last week’s statement from the State Department acknowledging the IDF is operating within the bounds of international law.
Since the start of the October 2023 hostilities in the region, Congress has granted Israel at least $17.9 billion in assistance.
