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Rep. Jayapal introduces legislation to block U.S. arms sales to Israel
Critics argue that such sales contribute to civilian casualties in Gaza and may violate international law.
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Pramila Jayapal / File Photo
Indian American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) introduced legislation aimed at blocking specific offensive weapons sales to Israel.
The Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRDs) seek to prevent the transfer of bombs, guidance kits, and military bulldozers, which critics argue have contributed to widespread destruction and civilian casualties in Gaza.
Also Read: Trump says US might lose patience with ceasefire deal over Israeli hostages' appearance
Co-sponsored by Representative Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) and other progressive lawmakers, the resolutions aim to prohibit the sale of 35,529 2,000-pound bombs valued at $2.04 billion, Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits worth $893 million, 5,000 1,000-pound bombs with additional JDAM kits at $675.7 million, and D9R and D9T Caterpillar bulldozers used for demolitions, totaling $295 million.
Jayapal emphasized the urgency of halting these sales, stating, "Continuing to provide the Israeli government with offensive weapons, even as they violate both international and U.S. laws, is unacceptable and makes us complicit in this violence and destruction." She called for a return to a negotiated ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza and ensure regional security.
The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of U.S. arms sales to Israel. In February, the State Department notified Congress of plans to sell more than $7 billion in weapons, including thousands of bombs and missiles.
Jayapal and Tlaib had previously introduced JRDs against prior weapons sales, including artillery shells, hellfire missiles, and additional bomb guidance kits. The latest resolutions follow reports that Israel has violated a negotiated ceasefire. According to Palestinian health authorities, Israel's ground and air campaign in Gaza has killed more than 50,000 people, with nearly a third of the dead under 18.
The proposed JRDs have garnered support from several lawmakers and over 110 organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Arms Control Association, who have urged the Senate to suspend arms transfers to Israel in light of these concerns.
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