Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is sharply criticizing President Donald Trump over the administration’s approval of nearly $7 billion in arms sales to Israel, calling for a shift in priorities back home.
“We need health care for all Americans, not weapons for a war criminal,” Sanders posted on X yesterday.
“The United States should not continue spending taxpayer dollars to arm Netanyahu’s genocidal government.”
Massive Arms Package Approved
According to reporting from the Associated Press, the arms sale was part of a broader announcement by the State Department, which also approved a $9 billion weapons deal with Saudi Arabia.
The Israeli package is worth $6.67 billion and includes four separate arms deals: $3.8 billion for 30 Apache helicopters equipped with rocket launchers and advanced targeting gear, $1.98 billion for 3,250 light tactical vehicles, $740 million for power packs for older armored personnel carriers, and $150 million for light utility helicopters.
According to the State Department, the deals are meant to “enhance Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats by improving its ability to defend Israel’s borders, vital infrastructure, and population centers.”
The department added, “The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability.”
Saudi Deal Comes Amid Tensions With Iran
The $9 billion deal with Saudi Arabia includes 730 Patriot missiles and related equipment.
U.S. officials say the sale supports stability in the Gulf region and enhances Saudi Arabia’s role in regional missile defense.
The announcement came shortly after Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
These sales were made public as the Trump administration pushes a ceasefire plan for Gaza and as tensions rise over possible U.S. military action against Iran.
Critics Sound Alarm Over Process and Priorities
Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, accused the Trump administration of sidestepping Congress.
“The Trump Administration has blatantly ignored long-standing Congressional prerogatives while also refusing to engage Congress on critical questions about the next steps in Gaza and broader U.S.-Israel policy,” Meeks said.
Sanders’ criticism, however, focused less on procedure and more on the moral implications of U.S. support.
By calling Netanyahu a “war criminal” and labeling the Israeli government as “genocidal,” Sanders echoed a growing segment of Americans concerned about the humanitarian toll in Gaza after two years of war.
Trump’s ceasefire plan aims to rebuild Gaza and disarm Hamas, with international forces expected to oversee implementation.
Though the ceasefire is mostly holding, the humanitarian situation remains dire.
A Deeper Policy Divide
Sanders has long argued that the U.S. should prioritize expanding health care coverage instead of allocating large sums to military programs.
His recent comments arrive during growing debate over whether American-made weapons should go to governments facing accusations of human rights violations.
With a presidential election approaching, the contrast is growing between Trump’s emphasis on defense partnerships abroad and Sanders’ call to focus on issues at home.
Trump defends the deals as necessary for regional security, but Sanders and others are arguing that the money would be better spent helping Americans with essential needs like health care and education.
The debate over how the U.S. engages in Middle Eastern conflicts is becoming more urgent, especially as Congress is increasingly left out of the decision-making process.
And as Sanders noted, many Americans are asking why billions are going abroad when so many at home still can’t afford to see a doctor.
IMAGE CREDIT: “Bernie Sanders” by Gage Skidmore, via Flickr. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Image adjusted for layout.