Congress Is Ready To Turn Up The Heat On Biden Over His Israel Policy

With President Joe Biden still refusing to limit American support for Israel’s bloody offensive in Gaza, senators could soon play a big role in challenging — and even changing — the U.S.’s deeply controversial approach.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is pushing for a Senate vote within days on a resolution requiring the Biden administration to produce a report on Israel’s human rights practices. Israel is currently targeting areas where Palestinians fled for safety while experts are ratcheting up warnings of famine among Gazans.

Sanders’ bill is privileged, meaning Senate leadership has to allow it to be considered, opening up a rare chance for senators to extensively debate Israel’s Gaza campaign.

Meanwhile, Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) are championing amendments to a potential supplemental package of military aid for Israel and Ukraine that would both, if passed, represent rebukes to the idea of unquestioned assistance to Israel. Van Hollen’s proposal underscores that American military aid must be used in line with international and U.S. law, while Kaine’s bill would force Biden to maintain the normal process of informing Congress about U.S. weapons shipments for Israel; he has recently twice used emergency authority to circumvent oversight.

The Sanders effort is becoming the chief focus of attention among lawmakers, their staff and prominent outside advocates because the resolution is near-certain to be voted on soon. Speaking on the Senate floor on Wednesday afternoon, Sanders said he will bring the bill to the full body next week.

Members of Congress overwhelmingly support Israel’s intention to punish the Gaza-based militant group Hamas and its partners for a brutal surprise Oct. 7 attack