WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 – In a letter sent to President Biden on Tuesday, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) urged the president to make two critical policy changes in his approach to Israel and Gaza. First, that the president withdraw his support for the $10.1 billion for offensive weaponry for Netanyahu’s right-wing government contained in the proposed supplemental foreign aid package requested from Congress. And second, for the president to support the recent UN resolution that demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and full humanitarian access – a resolution which was vetoed by the United States.

Sanders reiterated his view that Israel has an absolute right to defend itself against Hamas’ terrorist attack of October 7, but that their current military policy is deeply immoral.

Sanders wrote. “A just cause for war does not excuse atrocities in the conduct of that war. Israel has the right to go to war against Hamas. It does not have the right to go to war against innocent men, women, and children in Gaza… Israel’s military campaign will be remembered among some of the darkest chapters of our modern history.”

Sanders continued: “The Netanyahu government’s current military approach is immoral, it is in violation of international law, and the United States must end our complicity in those actions. Therefore, I ask you to make two critical changes in policy: first, while it is appropriate to support defensive systems that will protect Israeli civilians against incoming missile and rockets attacks, it would be irresponsible to provide an additional $10.1 billion in military aid beyond these defensive systems as contained in the proposed supplemental foreign aid package. This money would allow for the continuation of the Netanyahu government’s widespread, indiscriminate bombardment. Therefore, I ask that you withdraw your support for that portion of the funding requested from Congress. Second, I ask that you support efforts at the United Nations to end the bloodshed, such as the recent resolution, vetoed by the United States, that would have demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and full humanitarian access.”

Read the full letter