US Senate Democrats challenge Biden’s arms sale proposal to Israel

Over a dozen Senate Democrats announced on Tuesday their intention to oppose US President Joe Biden’s proposal to bypass congressional review of arms sales to Israel.

Spearheaded by Senator Tim Kaine, this move reflects growing discontent within the Democratic Party, prompted by the significant civilian casualties from Israel’s military actions in Gaza, The Washington Post reported.

“I have strongly supported US aid necessary for Israel’s defence,” Kaine said in a statement, “but all nations should be subject to the same standard”.

Currently, legislators are deliberating on Biden’s proposal for over $10bn in extra military aid for Israel, which is a portion of a larger $106bn supplementary budget request aimed at funding various national security projects.

Biden’s request, according to bill text released by the Senate Appropriations Committee, included a provision saying “any congressional notification requirement applicable to funds made available … for Israel may be waived if the Secretary of State determines that to do so is in the national security interest of the United States."