The US Senate blocked an attempt by Democratic lawmakers to halt arms sales to Israel, in a vote that exposed growing divisions within the Democratic Party regarding military support for its ally amid the conflict in the Middle East.

The resolutions, led by independent Senator Bernie Sanders, sought to prevent the transfer of Heavy-duty bombs and armored bulldozers valued at hundreds of millions of dollars. According to their proponents, this equipment could be used in military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, with potential consequences for the civilian population. Despite the Democratic push, the initiatives failed to advance due to the almost unanimous opposition of the Republicans, who defended continued military support for Israel as a key element for regional stability and the security of a strategic ally. Internal divisions among the Democrats: Although the resolutions were rejected, the vote revealed a significant shift within the Democratic bloc. Dozens of senators from the party supported at least one of the proposals, marking a difference from previous attempts, when support for this type of measure was considerably lower. According to data from the Senate itself, more than 80% of the Democratic caucus voted against at least one of the military sales. Sanders highlighted this result as a political advance, noting that support for these initiatives has grown significantly in recent years. The legislator argued that there is a growing concern among American voters about the use of public resources in conflicts abroad, especially when these could involve harm to civilians. He also maintained that the change in the Senate reflects a transformation in public opinion about the role of the United States in the region. Republicans defend support for Israel. For their part,Republicans stood firm in their support for Israel and President Donald Trump's foreign policy. Lawmakers from that party warned that blocking arms sales could weaken the allied country's defensive capabilities and affect the balance in a region marked by escalating tensions. The vote came against a backdrop of heightened international tension, with ongoing military operations and an increased US presence in the Middle East. In recent days, the Senate also rejected another resolution that sought to limit the president's ability to order attacks against Iran without congressional authorization. Meanwhile, the president stated in a television interview that the conflict is "very close to ending," despite the continued naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing military deployments in the area. The outcome of the vote reflects not only traditional bipartisan support for Israel, but also a growing political divide in Washington over how that support should manifest itself amid an increasingly complex international landscape.