U.S. Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz, both D-Hawaii, were among a group of Democrats and Independents who voted Wednesday in favor of a trio of joint resolutions of disapproval aimed at preventing the transfer of more weapons to Israel.

What You Need To Know

  • The resolutions failed by significant margins as a majority of Democrats and every Republican senator who voted opposed the measures
  • Sen. Mazie Hirono, who voted for the resolutions, said she would continue to support funding for defensive systems like the Iron Dome, which she said are “essential for Israel’s defense”
  • The resolutions were introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., back in September
  • While they were not expected to pass, support for the resolutions has been taken as a sign of division among Senate Democrats over the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war

 

The resolutions failed by significant margins as a majority of Democrats and every Republican senator who voted opposed the measures.

“I have and always will support Israel’s right to defend itself, including in the wake of Hamas’ horrific attack on October 7,” Hirono said in a statement released following the vote. “For more than a year, (Israeli) Prime Minister Netanyahu has at times indiscriminately and disproportionately used U.S.-supplied weapons in a manner inconsistent with U.S. law, undermining international efforts for peace and worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Prolonging this war only serves to further destabilize and endanger the region, including Israel’s own security and stability.”

Hirono said she would continue to support funding for defensive systems like the Iron Dome, which she said are “essential for Israel’s defense.”

"As I have since the beginning of this conflict, I will continue working for an end to this war, including the immediate release of all hostages, negotiating an enduring ceasefire, and laying the groundwork for lasting regional peace including a two-state solution,” Hirono said.

Senate Joint Resolution 111, which would have blocked the sale of nearly 33,000 tank rounds, failed on an 18-79 vote. SJ Res. 113 would have similarly blocked the sale of over 50,000 high-explosive mortar cartridges but fell on a 19-78 vote. 

Meanwhile, SJ Res.115, which would have prohibited the transfer of defense articles, defense services and technical data to support procurement of joint direct attack munitions, was defeated, 18-79.

The resolutions were introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., back in September.

While they were not expected to pass, support for the resolutions has been taken as a sign of division among Senate Democrats over the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.