Sanders Calls for Halt to U.S. Funding for Netanyahu’s Military Operations in Gaza

US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued a statement on January 2, urging Congress to reject a proposed $10.1 billion in unconditional military aid earmarked for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. The funding is intended to support Israel’s ongoing military campaign against the Palestinian people. He criticized Israel’s actions as disproportionate, immoral, and in violation of international law.

The Senator acknowledged the initial provocation of the conflict by Hamas through a terrorist attack but emphasized that Israel’s military response had been excessive. He stressed the devastating impact of the conflict on the Palestinian population, pointing out the significant role played by U.S. weaponry in the destruction.

The Vermont Senator highlighted the grim statistics resulting from the conflict since October 7th, revealing that over 22,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have lost their lives due to Israeli strikes. Furthermore, 1.9 million Palestinians have been displaced, representing 85% of Gaza’s total population. Satellite radar data analysis indicated that nearly 70% of housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged by Israeli bombardment.

Painting a dire picture of the current situation, Sanders stated that the majority of Gazans are not only homeless but also lack access to basic necessities such as food, water, medical supplies, and fuel. He cited a UN report warning that half of Gaza’s 2.2 million population is at risk of starvation, with 90% reporting regular days without food. The chief economist at the World Food Program termed the humanitarian disaster in Gaza as one of the worst he has ever witnessed.

Sanders directed his plea directly at Congress, which is considering a supplemental funding bill including $10 billion in unconditional military aid for Netanyahu’s government. He emphatically declared, “Enough is enough. Congress must reject that funding.” Emphasizing the need for the United States to discontinue its complicity in what he described as the destruction of innocent lives in Gaza.

The Senator’s position underscores the growing concern among some U.S. lawmakers about the implications of continued military support for Israel’s actions in the region. While he did acknowledge the initial Hamas attack, his focus on the disproportionate response and the resulting humanitarian crisis reflects a broader debate within Congress regarding the appropriate level of support for Israel in its conflict with Palestine.

As Congress deliberates on the proposed funding, Sanders’ statement adds a prominent voice to those advocating for a reevaluation of U.S. support for Israeli military operations. The call to reject the $10.1 billion aid package reflects a stance that prioritizes addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and questions the moral and legal implications of ongoing U.S. involvement in the conflict.