Senate Vote Shows Growing Appetite to Hold Israeli Government Accountable & Contain the Iran War
15 April 2026—Minutes ago a record breaking number of senators voted to block the transfer of certain military equipment to Israel. New Jewish Narrative applauds these senators for taking this important step toward aligning US actions with America’s commitment to human rights, to accountability, and to a just and lasting peace for all of the people of the Middle East.
The Senate action was not about Israel’s ability to defend itself. Defensive systems were not implicated by these votes, which considered whether the United States will continue to provide specific offensive weapons and equipment that contribute to civilian harm, settlement expansion, and the destruction of any path to a just and lasting peace.
The number of senators supporting measures to hold Israel accountable has grown significantly in recent years. Five years ago, we became the first major American Jewish organization to call for conditioning aid to Israel. At the time, it was a principled position that very few were willing to take. Today, our position commands the support of nearly half of the Senate.
The votes in the Senate were for S.J.Res.32, sponsored by Senator Sanders, which received 40 votes, and S.J.Res.138, sponsored by Senators Sanders, Van Hollen, Merkley, and Welch, which received 36 votes.
In seeking to pause the sale of bulldozers, the senators recognized that ongoing demolitions, displacement, and land fragmentation carried out in the West Bank by the Israeli government in the West Bank are not incidental – they are central to the occupation that denies Palestinians basic rights and undermines the prospects for peace.
In seeking to pause the sale of 1,000-pound pound bombs, these senators took a principled stand for civilian protection. At a moment when the administration attempted to bypass normal congressional review through an emergency determination, this vote reasserts Congress’s essential oversight role in arms transfers that carry profound humanitarian and strategic consequences.
We urge all members of Congress to follow this example: to ensure that what the US does follows our laws, to demand accountability in the use of American-supplied weapons, and to use American leverage to push for de-escalation, for adherence to international law, and for a path toward peace and security.
“The Senate just delivered a powerful message to the Trump administration and to the Israeli government,” said Hadar Susskind, President and CEO of New Jewish Narrative. It was a message rejecting their belligerence and warning that violations of human rights will carry consequences. I hope that President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu are listening.”
