MaryDiane Baker: Sanders resolution faces the facts

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). JABIN BOTSFORD/THE WASHINGTON POST

Published: 12-21-2023 3:54 PM

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ initiative helps move us away from participation in the seemingly intractable Hamas-Israel war. He introduced a Senate resolution that promises some help in what appears an unsolvable issue.

Its full title is “S.Res. 504: A resolution requesting information on Israel’s human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.”

Progressing through the Senate, it legally directs the State Department to provide that human rights information within 30 days. Once delivered, it then asks of each senator, “Are you OK with U.S. weapons being used to violate these internationally recognized human rights?”

Even if a cease-fire occurred tomorrow, the State Department should look into these questions. Bernie declares that “Netanyahu’s right wing extremist government is waging that war in a deeply reckless and immoral way.” That “a just cause for war does not excuse atrocities in the conduct of that war.” This resolution is one of many protests Bernie has made on this “unmitigated human disaster, a “denial of the right to life.”

President Joe Biden stated that Netanyahu needs to change his approach: Israel is engaged in “indiscriminate bombing.” They ignore Biden’s calls to moderate their attacks and not harm civilians. Since 92% of Israel’s bombs come from the U.S., we greatly facilitate the death toll in Gaza, which exceeds 20,000 at this point.

If Israel’s security forces can be exonerated of human rights abuses, this will be the report that does it.

Congress mostly isn’t grappling with this; very few have publicly weighed in. When it’s on the floor for a mandatory vote, each will have to face the facts.

Bernie fears this “will be remembered among some of the darkest chapters of our modern history.” It will also be remembered for the people who stood up.

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