Senator Bernie Sanders on Thursday criticized Israeli military operations in Lebanon, renewing his call for the United States to halt military assistance to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Sanders stated that 2,702 people have been killed in Lebanon, with 1.6 million displaced and dozens of villages destroyed during the conflict, asserting that Israel is waging a war of expansion against Lebanon, occupying 14% of its territory. The Senator referenced remarks by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who reportedly said, "The fate of southern Lebanon will be the same as that of Gaza."
Sanders announced plans to force Senate votes on two Joint Resolutions of Disapproval aimed at blocking arms sales. The first resolution targets a $151.8 million sale of 1,000-pound bombs, while the second seeks to block $295 million in bulldozers. "No more US military aid to Netanyahu," Sanders declared, adding, "These are not defensive weapons. They are the instruments of ethnic cleansing." He further stated, "Given the horrific and illegal behavior of the Netanyahu government over the last three years, the American people have had enough."
Escalation and Civilian Impact
Despite a ceasefire announced April 17 and extended until May 17, the Israeli army continues daily strikes in Lebanon and widespread demolition of homes in dozens of villages. The conflict began March 2, when the Lebanese resistance group Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in response to Tel Aviv's killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in late February. Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, which triggered retaliation from Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. In the West Bank, since October 2023, Israeli soldiers and settlers have killed 1,071 Palestinians, including 233 children. More than 6,000 Palestinian homes have been demolished in the West Bank during the same period. Additionally, over 200 new illegal settlements and outposts have been established in Palestinian territory since October 2023.
Broader Conflict and International Law Concerns
The broader conflict escalated following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 people and hundreds taken hostage. In Gaza, more than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 170,000 wounded, with women, children, and the elderly forming the majority of casualties. Almost all of Gaza’s infrastructure, including water and sewer systems, and electricity supply, has been destroyed. Hundreds of schools and all 12 of Gaza’s universities have been demolished, while over 90% of housing units have sustained damage or been destroyed. Additionally, 94% of hospitals in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, leading to the deaths of 1,700 healthcare workers. A blockade has prevented essential food, water, fuel, and medicine from entering Gaza, contributing to widespread malnutrition and starvation.
US Policy and Public Opinion
Israel's response to the Hamas attack has been criticized by some observers as violating international law and constituting a war of enormous destruction against the Palestinian people. According to these claims, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also persuaded former President Trump to initiate an unprovoked and unconstitutional war against Iran. This conflict has reportedly led to the deaths of thousands of civilians, including hundreds of children in Iran and Lebanon, 26 Israeli civilians, and 13 American soldiers. Public opinion polls reflect growing concerns regarding US support for Israel. A Pew poll indicates that 80% of Democrats and 41% of Republicans hold an unfavorable view of Israel. A Quinnipiac poll found that 60% of Americans oppose the United States sending arms to Israel.
