Do You Uphold US Law? Support Joint Resolutions of Disapproval on Arms to Israel

I urge you to cosponsor and publicly support Senator Bernie Sanders’s Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (S.J.Res. 111 through 116), which would block the sale of U.S. offensive weapons to Israel. While Israel is indeed committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, supporting these resolutions does not necessitate condemning Israel, but simply highlights United States adherence to its own laws governing arms transfers and foreign assistance. U.S. law explicitly prohibits the transfer of arms to states that violate human rights or obstruct humanitarian aid. Section 620I of the Foreign Assistance Act and the Leahy Laws mandate the cessation of aid to foreign forces involved in gross violations of human rights. Additionally, U.S. arms transfers cannot legally support actions that contribute to man-made humanitarian crises, such as famine. Recent reports highlight that Israel has engaged in activities that directly violate these principles. The Oxfam America Gaza Scorecard outlines how Israel has deliberately obstructed humanitarian aid, including food, water, and medical supplies, to Gaza. Further, statements from the Israeli Defense Forces indicate that they will not permit residents to return to northern Gaza, effectively enforcing permanent displacement and continuing to block life-saving aid to civiliansns introduced by Senator Sanders provide a critical opportunity for Congress to take a stand for accountability and compliance with U.S. law. They would prevent U.S. complicity in these violations without requiring you to take a position on the broader conflict. Supporting these resolutions would reaffirm the principle that U.S. arms should not be used to facilitate human suffering. The international community is watching how the United States responds to these violations. Upholding the laws that govern U.S. arms transfers is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative. By cosponsoring S.J.Res. 111-116, you demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding American principles and ensuring that U.S. policies align with our values. I urge you to take action now. Supporting these resolutions is about upholding the law and preventing the United States from contributing to further humanitarian atrocities. (https://www.oxfamamerica.org/explore/research-publications/the-gaza-scorecard-israel-fails-to-comply-with-us-humanitarian-access-demands-in-gaza/)