November 20, 2024

Castro, Jayapal, Schakowsky, Doggett, McGovern, Lee, Pocan, Jacobs, Balint Statement on the Senate Vote to Suspend Offensive Weapons Aid to Israeli Government

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37),  James P. McGovern (MA-02), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement in support of Senator Bernie Sanders’ (I-VT) joint resolutions of disapproval, S.J. Res 111, S.J. Res 113, and S.J. Res 115, to suspend specific offensive arms transfers to Israel:

“Our Senate colleagues will soon vote on Senator Sanders’ joint resolutions of disapproval, and, if given the opportunity to do so, we would vote in favor of S.J. Res 111, S.J. Res 113, and S.J. Res 115 in the House of Representatives.

“We continue to condemn the tragic killing and hostage taking during Hamas’ brutal October 7th attacks and advocate for a ceasefire that ensures the safe return of all hostages. We also recognize the importance of defensive systems that are designed to meet Israel’s security needs, like the Iron Dome, which will not be impacted by these votes. However, the United States must use all available leverage, including the suspension of offensive weapons transfers, to de-escalate the violence and protect the lives of hostages, including Americans, Palestinian civilians, and all those impacted by the ongoing conflict.

“We are and have been deeply alarmed by the Israeli military’s conduct in Gaza, where independent human rights monitors have documented the use of U.S.-provided weaponry in violations of international law. According to the Biden administration’s own report, ‘it is reasonable to assess’ that Israeli security forces have used U.S. weapons to violate international humanitarian law. The humanitarian aid entering Gaza has also reached historic lows. In October, an average of 28 trucks per day crossed into Gaza, compared to a pre-war daily average of 500.

“The Biden Administration has expressed serious concerns about Israel’s current military campaign in Gaza and the severe lack of aid access. In a recent letter, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin demanded that Israel make concrete progress to increase humanitarian access by November 13, 2024, in line with requirements under Section 620I of the Foreign Assistance Act. On November 4, 2024, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated Israel had so far ‘failed’ to implement the recommendations in the letter, and that assessment was substantiated by several humanitarian organizations. Despite this clear lack of progress, no meaningful action has been taken by the Biden Administration to promote Israeli compliance with stated U.S. policy goals.

“President-elect Trump’s return to the White House will only embolden Netanyahu and his far-right ministers. A vote for the joint resolutions of disapproval is a vote to politically restrain the Netanyahu government from any forthcoming efforts to formally annex the West Bank and settle parts of Gaza.

“We urge Senators to support these joint resolutions of disapproval to block specific offensive arms sales to Israel, upholding U.S. law that prohibits arms transfers to countries that engage in a consistent pattern of gross violations of internationally recognized human rights or restrict the delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance. The U.S. must use its leverage to safeguard civilian lives, secure a lasting ceasefire, and advance a pathway toward peace.”