US Democratic Party Submits Resolution to Halt Arms Sales to Israel

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] On the 19th (local time), Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives submitted a resolution to halt the sale of precision-guided weapons worth $735 million (approximately 832.8 billion KRW) to Israel.

Six progressive Democratic lawmakers, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mark Pocan, and Rashida Tlaib, submitted the resolution on the same day, according to major foreign media.

In a statement, Ocasio-Cortez said, "At a time when many, including President Biden, have expressed support for a ceasefire, weapons that extend violence to Israel should not be sent."

They have called for a united U.S. effort to stop Israel's airstrikes, which have claimed many civilian lives.

However, since House Democratic Majority Leader Steny Hoyer supports arms sales to Israel, it is expected that the resolution will be difficult to pass. Currently, both the Republican and Democratic parties in the U.S. Congress express strong support for Israel.

Foreign media reported that the precision-guided weapons approved for sale this time are likely Boeing's Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), known for their all-weather destructive power.

Earlier, the Biden administration approved a $735 million arms sale to Israel earlier this year and officially requested congressional review on the 5th.

In this context, progressive Democrats and the international community have increasingly criticized the U.S. for ostensibly expressing support for an Israel-Palestine ceasefire while actually providing military aid to Israel.

The Biden administration has been reluctant to publicly use the term "ceasefire" while thoroughly guaranteeing Israel's right to defense. It has consistently taken a passive stance, opposing joint statements urging resolution of the situation at the multilateral United Nations Security Council, drawing backlash from countries such as China.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.