Bernie Sanders urges Biden to reduce Israel’s military aid by $10B
Senator Bernie Sanders Urges President Biden to Cut Military Aid to Israel
“While there is a moral case for a military response against a brutal terrorist attack, it is clear that the Netanyahu government’s current campaign is being conducted in a deeply immoral way. A just cause for war does not excuse atrocities in the conduct of that war,” Sanders wrote in the letter.
In a letter addressed to President Joe Biden, Senator Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) passionately called for a reduction of over $10 billion in proposed military aid to Israel. He also emphasized the importance of supporting the United Nations’s efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.
Israel’s Right to Defend Itself, but Not at the Expense of Innocent Lives
Sanders acknowledged that the war was triggered by Hamas’s Oct. 7 attacks, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians. While recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, he firmly stated that it should not come at the cost of innocent men, women, and children in Gaza.
Highlighting the devastating impact of American-made weapons used by Israel, Sanders condemned the United States for its complicity in the civilian casualties caused by these weapons.
“This constitutes not just a humanitarian cataclysm, but a mass atrocity,” he said. “And it is being done with bombs and equipment produced and provided by the United States and heavily subsidized by American taxpayers. Tragically, we are complicit in this carnage.”
While Sanders acknowledged the importance of supporting defensive systems for Israel, he criticized the provision of an additional $10.1 billion in military aid, arguing that it would only perpetuate the indiscriminate bombardment carried out by the Netanyahu government.
Supporting United Nations Efforts for a Ceasefire
Senator Sanders urged President Biden to back the United Nations’s initiatives aimed at ending the bloodshed, including a recent resolution calling for a ceasefire. In an interview with the Washington Post, he expressed his belief that a permanent ceasefire would be unlikely due to Hamas’s opposition and Netanyahu’s government’s desire to continue the war.
Senator Sanders is among a group of progressive members of Congress, including Representatives Cori Bush (D., Mo.), Rashida Tlaib (D., Mich.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.), and Jamaal Bowman (D., N.Y.), who have called for a ceasefire in Israel’s conflict with Hamas. These representatives recently spoke at an event organized by Rabbis for Ceasefire, where they emphasized the importance of prioritizing humanity and peace.
What does Senator Bernie Sanders argue is disproportionate about the Israeli government’s response to the conflict?
However, he argued that the Israeli government’s response has been disproportionate and has led to the death and injury of countless Palestinian civilians. He condemned the Israeli airstrikes on civilian residences, schools, and hospitals in Gaza, which have caused immense devastation and loss of innocent lives.
Sanders emphasized that while Israel has the right to defend itself, it must do so in a way that respects the principles of proportionality and the protection of civilians. He urged President Biden to use the leverage the United States has as a major provider of military aid to influence Israel to change its conduct during the conflict.
The Need for a Just and Lasting Solution
Sanders stressed the importance of achieving a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He argued that continued unconditional military aid to Israel could hinder the prospects of a peaceful resolution. He called for the United States to reevaluate its approach and condition aid on Israel’s adherence to international law, human rights standards, and efforts to promote a two-state solution.
Sanders also expressed his support for the United Nations’ efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. He urged President Biden to actively engage in diplomatic initiatives and work towards de-escalation, as well as ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict.
A Viable Path Forward
In the letter, Sanders proposed that the billions of dollars in military aid to Israel be redirected towards humanitarian aid, development projects, and economic assistance for both Israelis and Palestinians. He argued that investing in infrastructure, education, and economic development could help address the underlying causes of the conflict and contribute to its resolution.
Sanders acknowledged the complex nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and emphasized that resolving it will require difficult conversations, compromises, and a commitment to justice and human rights from all parties involved. He called on President Biden to demonstrate strong leadership in pursuing a comprehensive and just solution.
Response and Implications
Sanders’ letter has sparked significant discussion and debate within the United States and internationally. While some critics argue that cutting military aid to Israel could undermine its security and ability to defend itself, others support Sanders’ call for reevaluating the unconditional support provided to Israel.
The United States plays a crucial role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has the power to influence the actions of both sides. President Biden’s response to Sanders’ letter and his approach to the ongoing conflict will have far-reaching implications for the region and prospects for peace.
In conclusion, Senator Bernie Sanders has urged President Biden to cut military aid to Israel in light of the ongoing conflict and the disproportionate response of the Israeli government. Sanders emphasized the importance of protecting innocent lives, supporting diplomatic efforts, and working towards a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The response to Sanders’ letter and the actions taken by the Biden administration will undoubtedly shape the future of the conflict and the region.
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