Radical Democrats are growing emboldened. They think they can take a shot at the President.
And now President Trump has threatened Bernie Sanders for introducing an insane bill.
White House Rejects Sanders’ Bid to Halt Arms Sales to Israel
The White House has firmly opposed an initiative by Vermont’s independent Senator Bernie Sanders to prevent the Trump administration from proceeding with specific weapons sales to Israel. According to a policy statement, President Donald Trump would veto two resolutions introduced by Sanders aimed at blocking these arms transfers. The administration contends that the proposed sales are vital for bolstering Israel’s capacity to counter and neutralize regional threats, aligning with U.S. national interests.
“The Administration strongly opposes passage of S.J. Res. 34 and S.J. Res. 41, joint resolutions that would block the proposed sales of munitions and small arms to our ally Israel,” the White House document states. “If S.J. Res. 34 or S.J. Res. 41 were presented to the President, his advisors would recommend he veto the joint resolutions.”
Sanders, a long-standing critic of Israel’s policies, is set to push the Senate to vote on resolutions that would halt the transfer of small arms and munitions to Israel. He has repeatedly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of overseeing policies that have led to widespread starvation in Gaza.
“The time is long overdue for Congress to use the leverage we have — tens of billions in arms and military aid — to demand that Israel end these atrocities,” Sanders said in a statement Tuesday.
Sanders’ resolutions face significant challenges in the Senate, where Republicans have consistently supported Israel’s military efforts in Gaza and endorsed its strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities earlier this year. The measures are unlikely to gain traction due to this strong Republican backing.
The upcoming Senate votes could highlight divisions among Democrats, some of whom have grown increasingly vocal about their concerns over Israel’s actions in Gaza. Maine’s independent Senator Angus King recently called for suspending aid to Israel until the humanitarian crisis, particularly starvation, in Gaza is addressed.
Michigan’s Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin, speaking on the “Breaking Points” podcast Tuesday, indicated openness to pausing offensive weapons sales to Israel while emphasizing she would not support a blanket halt on defensive arms transfers.
“That certainly, to me, would be a place to look, but I’m not going to cut off a blanket next sale on a defensive weapon that comes through, no,” Slotkin said.
Trump’s Cautious Approach to Middle East Conflicts and Israel Policy
President Donald Trump’s approach to Middle East conflicts reflects a calculated balance of supporting Israel, a key U.S. ally, while maintaining oversight to ensure its actions align with American interests. His administration has prioritized strengthening Israel’s military capabilities, as evidenced by its opposition to Sanders’ resolutions. Yet, Trump has also signaled a willingness to hold Israel accountable, navigating a complex geopolitical landscape where unchecked support could escalate tensions or strain U.S. relations with other regional powers.
Research indicates that Trump has consistently advocated for Israel’s security, particularly in its conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah. His administration’s approval of arms sales, including precision-guided munitions, has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring Israel’s defense against threats like rocket attacks from Gaza or Hezbollah’s arsenal in Lebanon. However, reports from sources like Reuters and the BBC suggest Trump has privately urged Israeli leaders to exercise restraint in Gaza to avoid alienating international allies and complicating U.S. diplomatic efforts.
People keep saying the Iran/Israel war is splitting MAGA, pitting pro-Israel neo-cons against anti-Israel America Firsters. They're wrong. The MAGA position is President Trump's: America First is both anti-war and pro-Israel. Wonderful joining @TomiLahren who I admire so deeply! pic.twitter.com/DSkHxmeblV
— Batya Ungar-Sargon (@bungarsargon) June 16, 2025
Trump’s veto threat against Sanders’ resolutions aligns with his policy of maintaining strong U.S.-Israel ties. According to a 2025 analysis by the Council on Foreign Relations, Trump’s team has emphasized defensive systems like the Iron Dome while scrutinizing offensive operations that could lead to high civilian casualties. This approach aims to prevent Israel from actions that might provoke backlash in the Arab world or undermine U.S. credibility as a mediator in the region.
The administration’s stance also reflects a response to domestic political dynamics. With Senate Republicans firmly backing Israel, Trump can rely on their support to counter progressive critics like Sanders, who push for conditioning aid based on humanitarian concerns. Yet, Trump has avoided fully endorsing Israel’s more aggressive tactics, such as expansive settlement policies, which have drawn criticism from European allies and the United Nations, per a 2025 Al Jazeera report.
In negotiations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump has reportedly pushed for de-escalation in Gaza to facilitate humanitarian aid, according to Axios. This aligns with his public statements emphasizing stability in the region, balancing Israel’s right to self-defense with calls for minimizing civilian harm. By doing so, Trump seeks to maintain U.S. influence without allowing Israel unchecked autonomy in its military campaigns.
The delicate balance is further evident in Trump’s handling of Iran, a key adversary of both the U.S. and Israel. While supporting Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Trump has advocated for diplomatic channels to prevent a full conflict, per a Financial Times report. This cautious strategy aims to avoid entangling the U.S. in a costly regional war while reinforcing Israel’s security.
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