Jewish Dems: Clear Majority of Senate Democrats Support Israel Arms Sales

WASHINGTON – After the U.S. Senate rejected resolutions introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) to disapprove of U.S. military aid to Israel, Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA), released the following statement:

“JDCA opposes cuts or conditions on U.S. military assistance to Israel and applauds the majority of Senate Democrats for defeating resolutions of disapproval on U.S. weapons sales to Israel.

“The Democratic Party stands with Israel as it faces grave security threats from Iran and its proxies, Hamas, and Hezbollah. As the Biden White House stated in a memo to the Senate, ‘Now is the time to focus pressure on Hamas to release the hostages and stop the war. Cutting off arms from Israel would put this goal even further out of reach and prolong the war, not shorten it.’

“It’s Republicans, not Democrats, who have repeatedly politicized U.S. support of Israel. Last year, Republicans delayed more than $14 billion in emergency aid for Israel for nearly six months after President Biden’s request. Vice President-elect JD Vance was among 15 Republican Senators who voted against such aid, while Democrats have consistently and overwhelmingly supported U.S. security assistance for Israel.

“Jewish Dems remain concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and support the Biden administration’s efforts to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians and efforts to bring the hostages home. We applaud the leadership of our party, including President Biden, Vice President Harris, Leader Schumer, and Leader Jeffries, for continuing to stand with Israel and advance regional security and peace.”

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