Bernie Sanders demands end to US military aid for Israel

Senator Bernie Sanders has issued a forceful condemnation of Israel's actions in the occupied West Bank, demanding an end to United States military assistance to Israel. The prominent progressive lawmaker cited mounting Palestinian casualties and increasing settler violence as he called for a fundamental shift in US policy toward its Middle Eastern ally.

Citing West Bank Casualties and Annexation Fears

In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Sanders highlighted that "In two years, Israel has killed more than 1,000 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Every day, settlers attack Palestinian villages. Netanyahu & his extremist allies have one goal: annexation by force." The senator directly linked US support to the ongoing violence, stating "The U.S. has enabled them. No more US military aid for Israel."

Escalating Violence Since Gaza War Began

The Israeli military has significantly intensified operations throughout the West Bank since the outbreak of war in Gaza in October 2023. According to documented figures, at least 1,080 Palestinians have been killed and approximately 11,000 injured in attacks by both Israeli forces and illegal settlers across the occupied territory. Additionally, more than 20,000 Palestinians have been arrested during this period.

International Court of Justice Ruling

The senator's statement comes months after a landmark International Court of Justice opinion issued last July that declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories illegal. The world court called for the evacuation of all Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, providing legal foundation for international criticism of Israel's settlement policies that Sanders and other critics have described as annexation.