US activists look to Sanders to help block arms sale to Israel

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, along with a group of progressive lawmakers, introduced on Wednesday a resolution to block a $735m arms deal to Israel.

Palestinian rights activists described the move as historic. The effort in the House of Representatives was the first of its kind when it comes to Israel. 

But it will be short-lived if it is not adopted by at least one legislator in the Senate, making it a joint resolution that would force a vote in the upper chamber of Congress that would at least delay the sale.

Progressive and Palestine solidarity activists are turning to Bernie Sanders - as the most outspoken senator on Palestinian rights - to pick up the fight.

The deadline for pausing the sale for review is on Friday, so a Senate resolution must be introduced by the end of Thursday.

Congressional approval is not needed for arms sales, but the lawmakers can veto sales by passing joint resolutions of disapproval in both the House and the Senate.

Presidents, in turn, have veto power to block legislation objecting to arms sales. Lawmakers can override a presidential veto with two-thirds majorities in both chambers of Congress.

In all likelihood, the arms deal for Israel will not be blocked, but activists are hoping to open an unprecedented debate about America's military relationship with Israel in Congress.