Sen. Bernie Sanders’ effort to block $20 billion in arms sales to Israel is set for a Senate vote, marking a significant test of Democratic sentiment on the Gaza war and U.S.-Israel relations.

Sanders, joined by Sens. Peter Welch, Jeff Merkley, and Chris Van Hollen, is targeting five specific weapons sales, arguing they violate U.S. laws requiring arms transfers to be consistent with human rights and U.S. foreign policy interests.

“The sales of JDAMs and 120mm tank rounds are particularly concerning, given their indiscriminate use in Gaza,” Sanders stated in a fact sheet.

Addressing the media, Merkley described Israel’s actions as “egregious, devastating practices,” while Welch questioned, “Is that commitment we’ve had to Israel forced us to be blind to the suffering before our very eyes, particularly when it’s been our ammunition being used?”

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Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Tim Kaine have also expressed support for the resolutions. Warren criticized the Biden administration’s inaction, stating, “The failure by the Biden administration to follow U.S. law and to suspend arms shipments is a grave mistake that undermines American credibility worldwide.”

The push has split Jewish organizations, with liberal groups like J Street and T’ruah supporting the effort, while AIPAC and the Jewish Democratic Council of America oppose it.

AIPAC spokesperson Marshall Wittmann said, “We have launched a massive grassroots campaign against these dangerous resolutions which erode Israel’s security, undermine the U.S.-Israel alliance and weaken America.”

Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell urged senators to vote against the measure, stating, “Those who mourn senseless human suffering should have no trouble assigning blame to the terrorists who exploit civilians, schools, hospitals and mosques as cover.”

Read more at Haaretz