Slump in voters’ support for Israel shakes US consensus over military aid

Growing disapproval of Israel's actions in the Middle East is impacting the long-standing bipartisan support for US military aid to Israel. Public opinion is shifting, particularly among Democrats, due to concerns over human rights and the conduct of the war in Gaza. This shift is evident in Senate votes, where increasing numbers of Democrats are supporting resolutions against arms sales to Israel. Analysts suggest that by the 2028 presidential election, Democratic candidates may need to openly disavow US aid to Israel to win the primary. This change is also influenced by anger over Donald Trump's policies regarding Iran.

A US Senate vote on Wednesday regarding the sale of military bulldozers to Israel failed, but rights advocates highlight it as a sign of weakening support for Israel within the Democratic party. The bill, introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders, aimed to block the sale due to concerns about Israel's use of bulldozers in Lebanon and Gaza. While the bill was defeated 59-40, 40 Democratic senators voted in favor, a significant increase compared to similar votes in previous years. Advocates see this as a reflection of growing frustration with Israeli policies and a shift towards questioning unconditional aid. A separate vote to block the sale of bombs to Israel also garnered substantial Democratic support.

Senator Bernie Sanders is pushing for Senate votes on Wednesday on resolutions to block U.S. weapons sales to Israel, specifically a $151.8 million sale of bombs and a $295 million sale of bulldozers. This marks the fourth time Sanders has introduced resolutions to limit military aid to Israel. The votes will test Democratic support for Israel amid growing concerns among voters regarding the Netanyahu government's actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Sanders argues that public opinion has shifted, citing a Pew Research Center survey, and calls for Congress to prioritize constituents over lobbying groups like AIPAC. While previous attempts have failed, this vote may indicate changing sentiment among Senate Democrats, with support for similar measures fluctuating in past votes.

Senator Bernie Sanders plans to introduce a resolution to block the sale of nearly $500 million in bombs and bulldozers to Israel, citing concerns over the Netanyahu government's actions in Gaza. Sanders will force a vote on the measure in the Senate this week. The resolution is unlikely to pass in the Republican-controlled Senate, but it aims to test the level of Democratic support for Israel amid growing criticism of its military actions. A similar bill proposed by Sanders failed last year, but advocates noted a shift in support. Public opinion polls indicate declining favorability towards Israel in the US, particularly among Democrats and younger voters.