The resolutions, introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders, aimed to block the sale of bulldozers and bombs to Israel. Both measures failed, with votes of 40-59 and 36-63, drawing unanimous opposition from Republicans and a split among Democrats.

Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, has repeatedly forced votes on the issue in recent years to pressure lawmakers to reconsider U.S. military support for Israel. Similar efforts in 2024 and 2025 were also defeated, though support among Democrats has risen significantly.

“It’s clear that Democrats are beginning to listen to the average American who is sick and tired of spending billions of dollars to support Netanyahu’s horrific wars,” Sanders said after the vote.Senator Mark Kelly was among Democrats who voted in favor of the resolutions after opposing some previous efforts.

Speaking ahead of the vote, Kelly cited concerns over what he described as “reckless decisions” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, including the expansion of conflict in Lebanon and continued violence in Palestinian territories.

Other Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, voted against the measures.The votes came amid protests in Washington, where nearly 100 demonstrators were arrested earlier in the week during actions urging lawmakers to support the resolutions.

The demonstrations were organized by advocacy groups critical of U.S. policy toward Israel.Earlier on Wednesday, the Senate also rejected a separate Democratic-backed resolution aimed at halting U.S. military involvement in Iran, which failed by a 47-52 vote.

Senator Chris Coons, who opposed the Israel-related resolutions but supported the Iran measure, said his votes reflected an effort to balance criticism of Israeli government actions with continued support for the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Republican lawmakers argued that blocking arms transfers could undermine U.S. strategic interests.

Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said ahead of the vote that the measures could embolden Iran and weaken Israel’s security.