US Senate rejects bid to stop bulldozer sales to 'Israel' despite 40 votes in favor
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- 40 senators vote to end US bulldozer sales to 'Israeli' military, but measures fail in Senate
In a move signaling a deepening divide within the Democratic Party over Middle East policy, 40 US senators voted Wednesday to block the sale of military-grade bulldozers to 'Israel'.
While the resolutions ultimately failed to pass the Republican-led chamber, the vote marked a record-high level of opposition to unconditional military aid for the Netanyahu government.
The Vote Breakdown
The Senate considered two Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRDs) introduced by Independent Senator Bernie Sanders. Both were defeated by the Republican majority and a group of centrist Democrats.
- S.J. Res. 32 (Bulldozers): This resolution sought to block the $295 million sale of Caterpillar D9 series bulldozers.
Result: Failed 59–40.
Significance: 40 out of 47 Democrats (including the two independents who caucus with them) supported the block.
- S.J. Res. 138 (1,000-lb Bombs): This measure targeted the $151.8 million sale of 12,000 BLU-110A/B bombs.
Result: Failed 63–36.
Growing Dissent
Proponents of the resolutions, including Senator Sanders and Senator Chris Van Hollen, argued that the equipment is being used in violation of the Foreign Assistance Act. They highlighted the use of armored bulldozers for home demolitions and infrastructure destruction in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.
"Today, more than 80% of the Democratic caucus stood with the American people and voted to block US military aid to Netanyahu," Sanders said in a statement following the vote.
A Shifting Consensus
While the sales will proceed, political analysts noted the steady increase in dissent over the last two years:
- November 2024: 11–17 votes in favor.
- July 2025: 27 votes in favor.
- April 2026: 40 votes in favor.
The shift reflects mounting pressure from human rights organizations and a segment of the American electorate that remains critical of US involvement in regional conflicts.
Republicans and opposing Democrats maintained that blocking the sales would undermine a key ally's ability to defend itself and further destabilize the region.
