Schatz Statement On Joint Resolutions Of Disapproval On Weapons Transfers To Netanyahu Government

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on S.J.Res.33 and S.J.Res.26.

“I have always supported Israel’s right to defend itself from serious and enduring threats in the region, and support American security assistance for that purpose, and will continue to do so. While I was encouraged by the ceasefire earlier this year, its breakdown and the Netanyahu government’s devastating actions in Gaza warrant questions around the timing of a sale of large-scale bombs and the current conduct of the war.

“I am voting against these transfers of 2,000-pound and 500-pound bombs because the Netanyahu government’s current use of weapons like these has resulted in extraordinary levels of civilian harm, death, and destruction in Gaza, while doing nothing to advance the cause of a renewed ceasefire, release of the remaining hostages, and enduring security for the people of Israel. We have seen the Netanyahu government use U.S.-backed resources in ways that are problematic and against our values as a nation – that includes continuing to order population transfers against international law, preventing life-saving humanitarian aid from reaching those in need, and the ongoing bombardment of civilian targets.

“Israelis and Palestinians deserve to co-exist as neighbors peacefully and safely, and we must do everything we can to work towards a ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages, and a pathway to an enduring peace.”

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