Dear A.,

Moments ago, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly rejected three resolutions led by Bernie Sanders to block vital weapons sales to the Jewish state as it fights to protect its families from Iran and its terrorist proxies. 

The majority of Senate Democrats and Senate Republicans have again demonstrated profound American support for our ally and rejected the dangerous efforts to weaken Israel and undermine the U.S.-Israel relationship.

ACTION NEEDED: I encourage you to click here to email your senators to thank those who voted NO and express your disappointment with those who voted YES.

You can read AIPAC’s press statement on the vote here.

These resolutions underscore yet again the importance of our work to strengthen support for Israel in Congress. While the overwhelming majority of the Senate — like the overwhelming majority of Americans — stands with Israel, a vocal fringe remains deeply committed to leading efforts to undermine U.S. support for our democratic ally.

AIPAC members from across the country called Congress and sent over 1.2 million emails in recent weeks urging senators to oppose these anti-Israel resolutions. 

Democratic and Republican members of Congress spoke out against Sanders’ resolutions and reiterated the importance of providing Israel with the resources needed to keep its people safe. You can watch the Senate floor speeches ahead of the vote here.

The Biden administration lobbied senators not to block these arms sales, which were approved by President Biden. “We strongly oppose this resolution, and we have made our position clear to interested senators,” a White House National Security Council spokesperson said last night.

And Israeli leaders from across the political spectrum spoke out against these dangerous resolutions that would undermine the Jewish state’s security. As Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Michael Herzog said, “Anyone urging you to ban critical arms to Israel during an existential war is NOT pro-Israel.” Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, former Defense Minister Benny Gantz, and the head of the liberal Democrats Party Yair Golan also spoke out against Sanders’ resolutions.

Meanwhile, J Street champions Bernie Sanders, Chris Van Hollen, Peter Welch and Jeff Merkley spoke on the floor in support of the resolutions. J Street, along with Justice Democrats and Jewish Voice for Peace, supported the anti-Israel resolutions and urged senators to vote for them.

The battle to ensure America always stands with Israel is far from over. But this bipartisan vote sends an important message to our allies and adversaries about America’s steadfast support for the Jewish state as it fights a just and moral war on seven fronts.

Thank you for your ongoing support for this vital mission. I’m grateful for your partnership in this fight.

Below are more important stories from today. Continue to follow AIPAC on social media for the latest news and information.

Sincerely,

Jake Braunstein
Director of Policy Communications

America vetoes anti-Israel resolution at UNSC

This morning, the Biden administration vetoed a one-sided anti-Israel resolution at the U.N. Security Council. 

The Algerian-led resolution refused to condemn Hamas and called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire with the terror group, without conditioning the ceasefire on the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza. 

All other 14 countries on the Security Council voted for the anti-Israel resolution, which would have passed without an American veto — once again highlighting the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

After the vote, American Ambassador Robert Wood said, "We made clear throughout negotiations we could not support an unconditional ceasefire that failed to release the hostages… This resolution abandoned that necessity. And for that reason, the United States could not support it. Simply put, this resolution would have sent a dangerous message to Hamas that there’s no need to come back to the negotiating table.”

We appreciate the Biden administration’s veto of the outrageously unbalanced and morally bankrupt U.N. Security Council resolution targeting Israel. 

The U.N. should focus on stopping aggression from Iran and its terrorist proxies rather than its constant attacks on the Jewish state.

800th Israeli soldier killed since 10/7 attack

This morning, the IDF announced that 21-year-old Israeli reserve soldier Roi Sasson (pictured below) was killed while fighting in northern Gaza.

Roi is the 800th fallen soldier since the war began on October 7.

Roi’s mother, Osnat, told Israeli press that Roi was set to leave Gaza the following day and was scheduled to be discharged from the army in three weeks. Even after his service was set to end, Roi "kept looking for ways to continue serving, even in other brigades," she said. "He went with total dedication.”