The Biden administration notified Congress of a proposed US weapons sale to Israel worth $735 million earlier this month, well-informed sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Congress’ constitutionally mandated 15-day window to object to the sale of the precision-guided weapons, which the White House approved before the latest outbreak of Israeli-Palestinian violence, is closed, sources noted.
On that note, Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy and Republican Sen. Todd Young are calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers to stop civilian bloodshed.
“Israel has the right to defend itself from Hamas’ rocket attacks, in a manner proportionate with the threat its citizens are facing,” Murphy and Young said in a joint statement issued Sunday night.
“As a result of Hamas’ rocket attacks and Israel’s response, both sides must recognize that too many lives have been lost and must not escalate the conflict further.”
Aside from the statement, Murphy also joined 27 Senate Democrats in a bipartisan call for a ceasefire.
“To prevent any further loss of civilian life and to prevent further escalation of conflict in Israel and the Palestinian territories, we urge an immediate ceasefire,” the senators wrote in a joint statement.
What is remarkable is that the call was backed by Senator Dick Durbin, the second major Democratic leader in the US.
Despite being considered a shy criticism of Israel’s behavior, this is the first time such a demand is made.
It is noteworthy that Democratic senators joining the bipartisan call highlights divisions over the Israeli file within the democratic party.
