U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has renewed his criticism of Israeli military operations and called for an end to American military assistance to Israel, citing ongoing violence in the West Bank.
In a statement shared on the social media platform X on Tuesday, Sanders said the focus on regional tensions should not be limited to conflicts involving Gaza Strip, Iran, and Lebanon, but must also include developments in the West Bank.
“It’s not just Gaza, Iran and Lebanon,” Sanders wrote, drawing attention to what he described as escalating violence and displacement in the occupied territory.
The Vermont senator alleged that since October 2023, Israeli forces and settlers have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians in the West Bank, demolished thousands of homes, and expanded settlement activity through the construction of new outposts. He argued that these actions reflect a broader pattern of policies that warrant international scrutiny.
“No more U.S. military aid to Israel,” Sanders stated, reiterating his longstanding position that American support should be reconsidered in light of humanitarian concerns and ongoing conflict.
Sanders’ remarks come shortly after the United States Senate rejected two resolutions he introduced seeking to block nearly $500 million in proposed arms sales to Israel. The measures failed to gain sufficient support among lawmakers, highlighting divisions within Congress over U.S. policy toward Israel.
The United States has historically maintained strong military and strategic ties with Israel, providing billions of dollars in aid annually. However, the relationship has faced increased scrutiny in recent years, particularly in the context of the war in Gaza.
According to various reports, tens of thousands of people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, with a significant proportion of casualties reported to be civilians, including women and children. A ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025 has been marred by repeated violations, raising concerns about its durability.
Sanders is among a growing number of U.S. lawmakers who have called for a reassessment of American involvement in the conflict. Critics of current policy argue that continued arms transfers risk implicating the United States in actions that may violate international humanitarian standards.
Supporters of Israel, however, maintain that U.S. assistance is essential for the country’s security, particularly in the face of regional threats. They argue that Israel has the right to defend itself and that military aid strengthens a key strategic ally in the Middle East.
The debate reflects broader divisions in Washington over how best to balance security interests with human rights concerns. While Sanders’ proposals have so far failed to pass, they have contributed to an ongoing discussion within Congress about the future of U.S.-Israel relations.
As tensions persist across multiple fronts in the region, including the West Bank and Gaza, calls for diplomatic solutions and humanitarian considerations are expected to remain central to policy debates in the United States.
