US campaigners call on Congress to follow UK lead in halting arms sale
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The proposed arms deal, which includes F-15 fighter jets, tank shells, and other military equipment, was notified to Congress last month while it was in recess.
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Palestinians inspect the damage at a tent area in the courtyard of Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital, hit by an Israeli bombardment on Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
The Guardian reported on Friday that US campaigners are urging Congress to follow the UK's recent decision to suspend some arms exports to "Israel," amid concerns over potential violations of international humanitarian law.
The UK's move has strengthened the case for a similar policy in the US, as campaigners push for a resolution in Congress to block a $20 billion weapons sale to "Israel."
The proposed arms deal, which includes F-15 fighter jets, tank shells, and other military equipment, was notified to Congress last month while it was in recess.
US officials have maintained that the UK's decision does not impact US policy, citing differences in their arms export control regimes.
Read more: UK suspends 30 of 350 arms exports licenses to 'Israel'
However, advocacy groups such as Amnesty International USA and the Center for Civilians in Conflict argue that the US should reconsider the sale due to the risk that the equipment could be used to commit serious violations of international law, particularly in Gaza.
A new @Amnesty investigation shows why the Israeli military must be investigated for the war crimes of wanton destruction and collective punishment in Gaza.
— Amnesty International USA (@amnestyusa) September 6, 2024
Using bulldozers and manually laid explosives, they have unlawfully razed entire neighbourhoods to expand a “buffer zone”… pic.twitter.com/2XmdHpSKPP
Campaigners hope that the UK's stance will inspire more members of Congress to challenge US arms sales to "Israel," as lawmakers face increasing pressure ahead of a vote by the end of September.
The issue has potential political ramifications, particularly for the Kamala Harris presidential campaign, as the debate over arms sales becomes a divisive topic within the Democratic Party.
Josh Ruebner, the policy director at the US non-profit Institute for Middle East Understanding, told The Guardian it was nonsensical to the point of "defying rational discussion" for the Biden administration "to urge Israel to accept a ceasefire and yet provide more weapons to commit this disgusting level of violence."
Read more: 18 aid groups call on UK gov. to end all arms exports to 'Israel'
