In a striking shift that underscores the Democratic Party’s internal struggles on foreign policy, reportedly more than half of Senate Democrats voted in favor of blocking military aid to Israel on Wednesday night — a move that, while ultimately unsuccessful, signals growing discomfort within the party toward one of America’s closest allies in the Middle East.
The two Senate resolutions, led by progressive Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), sought to halt over $675 million in arms sales to Israel, including tens of thousands of fully automatic rifles.
Though both measures were defeated — the first by a vote of 27–70 and the second 24–73 — the symbolism was unmistakable. A record number of Democrats chose to signal their disapproval of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza.
Senate Republicans, by contrast, stood united in voting down both resolutions. The votes offered a glimpse into a party that remains resolute in its support of Israel, in sharp contrast to Democrats’ increasingly fractured stance.
“The idea that we would pull military support from a democratic ally in the middle of a war against a terrorist organization is not just dangerous — it’s irresponsible,” said one Republican aide close to the vote.
Democrats who supported the resolutions were quick to frame their opposition as a rebuke of Netanyahu personally, rather than Israel itself. Still, the rhetoric revealed the extent to which progressive lawmakers are now willing to publicly challenge the alliance.
Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), a longtime appropriator and normally a reliable ally of the defense establishment, voted “yes” for the first time, saying: “It is time to say enough to the suffering of innocent young children and families.”
Her statement added that she was sending a message to the Netanyahu government, accusing the Israeli leader of prolonging the war “to stay in power.”
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), who previously voted against a similar measure in April, joined Wednesday’s effort, saying: “I will continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself, but I cannot in good conscience vote in support of weapons until the human anguish in Gaza comes to an end.”
For many on the right, such language reflects a major pivot away from traditional bipartisan support for Israel — and a willingness among Democrats to give Hamas cover in the international arena.
The votes follow new polling from Gallup showing that a majority of Americans — 52 percent — now disapprove of Netanyahu. However, those views are sharply divided along party lines.
Among Republicans, 67 percent support Netanyahu, compared to just 9 percent of Democrats. Similarly, support for Israel’s military campaign remains high among Republicans (71 percent), while just 8 percent of Democrats back the operation.
The backdrop to these votes is a worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, where food shortages and civilian casualties have sparked global outrage.
The Trump administration — while acknowledging the suffering in Gaza — has resisted conditioning military aid. Instead, it has pointed to Hamas’s refusal to release hostages as the chief impediment to a ceasefire.
The current American proposal would require Hamas to release 20 live hostages and the remains of 30 others in exchange for a scaled-up flow of humanitarian assistance.
Meanwhile, America’s European allies are beginning to turn up the pressure. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have both announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state should Israel fail to deescalate. Macron is expected to formalize the move at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
As Republicans continue to back Israel in its fight against terror, the Democratic Party appears increasingly willing to cave to internal ideological divisions — a development that could reshape American foreign policy for years to come.
