1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The United States must uphold international laws regarding arms transfers and use of force. Senator Sanders' resolution calls for a vote to block over $20 billion in offensive weapons sales to Israel amid its escalating military campaigns in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon that have caused immense civilian suffering and loss of life. This proposed arms transfer would violate U.S. laws like the Foreign Assistance Act and Arms Export Control Act, as well as policies prohibiting military aid from being used to commit human rights abuses. Israel has an obligation to defend itself, but its response has been disproportionate, deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure like hospitals, schools, and housing. The Israeli government's indiscriminate use of U.S.-made munitions against the Palestinian people is an unacceptable violation of international humanitarian law. Continuing to arm Israel unconditionally enables these atrocities and makes the U.S. complicit. Congress must act as a check on the executive branch by voting on this privileged resolution. A broad majority of Americans, especially Democrats, oppose sending more weapons that will be used to kill civilians in Gaza. Our nation's values and national security interests are at stake. I urge you to support Senator Sanders' resolution and halt further weapons transfers to Israel until it demonstrates its adherence to international law and human rights norms.