U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement supporting Joint Resolutions of Disapproval related to proposed foreign military sales to Israel.
Shaheen addressed the context for her position, referencing events from October 7th and actions by Hamas against Israeli citizens. She said, “After the heinous attacks of October 7th, no one can or should dispute that Israel has a right to defend its citizens from terrorism and external attacks, or that Israeli citizens were brutally murdered, injured, abducted and terrorized by Hamas. But it is clear that the Government of Israel has not conducted its military operations in Gaza with the necessary care required by international humanitarian law. It is also clear that the Government of Israel has failed to allow adequate humanitarian assistance into Gaza, resulting in unbelievable suffering.”
She added: “I will continue to stand up for the existence of Israel and the safety of its citizens. I will also 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. That is why I support these resolutions.”
The Joint Resolutions of Disapproval provide a mechanism for Congress to review and potentially block certain arms sales proposed by the executive branch.
