Bernie Sanders Delivers Epic Senate Floor Speeches Against Big Business, Netanyahu | 2024 Rewind

The United States is complicit in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Senator Bernie Sanders argues that the United States must end its complicity by refusing to provide any further military aid to Israel. The speaker also argues that the US must use its leverage to pressure Israel to open its borders to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Introduction

• 00:00:00 Senator Sanders introduces a resolution under section 502b of the Foreign Assistance Act, which calls for a report from the State Department on any potential human rights violations committed by Israel during its military campaign in Gaza. He explains that the resolution simply requests information and does not alter aid to Israel in any way.

US Arms Provided to Israel

• 00:04:15 Senator Sanders outlines the substantial military aid and weaponry the US has provided to Israel, including thousands of bombs, artillery shells, and 2,000lb bombs. He highlights the significant use of these weapons in the Israeli military campaign, which has resulted in widespread destruction and civilian casualties.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

• 00:08:55 Senator Sanders describes the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where over 23,000 Palestinians have been killed, 70% of whom are women and children. He underscores the massive displacement, with 1.9 million people forced from their homes, representing 85% of the population. The lack of access to essential necessities like food, water, and medical supplies has created a critical crisis.

Netanyahu's Government

• 00:15:25 Senator Sanders criticizes the Israeli government's actions in Gaza, characterizing them as reckless and immoral. He highlights statements made by senior Israeli officials, which express a desire to permanently displace Palestinians and wipe Gaza off the map, further exacerbating concerns about the war's conduct.

Call for Oversight

• 00:17:36 Senator Sanders emphasizes the need for congressional oversight to ensure that US military aid is not used in violation of international law. He asserts that the United States is deeply complicit in the situation in Gaza due to the use of US weapons, and that it must take steps to end this complicity.

Biden Administration's Response

• 00:19:50 Senator Sanders acknowledges the Biden administration's calls for Israel to be more targeted in its military operations and to protect civilians. However, he points out that the Netanyahu government has not heeded these calls and continues its destructive war. He argues that the United States must end its complicity in this situation.

Purpose of the Resolution

• 00:20:52 Senator Sanders reiterates that the resolution does not cut aid to Israel but simply seeks more information from the State Department to determine whether or not Israel is violating international law. He stresses the importance of Congress having access to this information.

Conclusion

• 00:22:21 Senator Sanders concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for action, stating that while there will likely be continued debate about the Israeli-Palestinian situation, requesting information on the use of American arms amid the ongoing devastation in Gaza should not be controversial. He asserts that this is Congress's responsibility.

Importance of the Resolution

• 00:23:19 Senator Sanders delves deeper into the importance of the resolution, arguing that it is critical for Congress to have the information requested. He outlines the legal framework for the resolution, highlighting the Foreign Assistance Act's requirement for security assistance to be used in line with internationally recognized human rights. This resolution, he asserts, is in line with that law.

The Need for Accountability

• 00:29:09 Senator Sanders reiterates the need for accountability in ensuring that US military aid is used in accordance with international law. He underscores the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the extensive use of US weapons, and the extreme statements made by the Netanyahu government, which call for a total siege and the permanent displacement of Palestinians. These factors, he emphasizes, make the resolution necessary.

Netanyahu's War Strategy

• 00:30:22 Senator Sanders criticizes the Netanyahu government's war strategy, stating that while Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas's terrorist attack, it does not have the right to go to war against the entire Palestinian people. He highlights the devastating consequences of the bombing campaign, including the death of over 24,000 Palestinians, the displacement of 1.9 million people, and the destruction of 70% of the housing stock.