US lawmakers move to block weapons sales to Israel

ISTANBUL

A group of US lawmakers has introduced legislation to block the Trump administration from proceeding with several major weapons sales to Israel, citing concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza and potential violations of international law.

Democrats Pramila Jayapal and Rashida Tlaib – the first Palestinian American woman to serve in Congress – are leading the effort with four joint resolutions of disapproval targeting specific arms transfers.

The proposed measures would prohibit sales of weapons worth billions of dollars, including 35,529 powerful 2,000-pound bombs, various guidance systems for munitions, thousands of additional bombs, and armored bulldozers that have been used in demolishing Palestinian homes.

The move comes amid an ongoing military offensive that has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians since October 2023.

"Continuing to provide the Israeli government with offensive weapons, even as they violate both international and U.S. laws, is unacceptable and makes us complicit in this violence and destruction," Jayapal said in a statement.

“We must return to a negotiated ceasefire that allows for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, the release of the remaining hostages, and lasting security in the region," she added, referring to an ongoing Isreali blockade of aid to the Gaza Strip.

The legislative effort builds on previous resolutions introduced by the lawmakers targeting billions in proposed military sales.

The Trump administration has maintained strong support for Israel's military campaign, with officials claiming the weapons transfers are necessary for Israel's self-defense.

As Republicans give strong support to Israel and have a majority in both houses of Congress, the proposals by congressional Democrats are unlikely to pass.

The proposed block comes under a provision of the Arms Export Control Act that allows Congress to review and potentially block foreign military sales. However, presidents have frequently bypassed such reviews by declaring emergency national security needs.

The debate over arms sales to Israel has intensified as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with international courts increasingly scrutinizing Israel's military actions.

Last November the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.