Senator Bernie Sanders is poised to force a vote on legislation to block a significant arms sale to Israel, totaling over $650 million, which includes thousands of bombs. This action comes in response to ongoing civilian casualties and the involvement of Israel and the U.S. in a joint war. The proposed resolutions aim to halt the transfer of these munitions, which were expedited by the Trump administration bypassing normal congressional review through an asserted emergency. Co-sponsored by several senators, the effort seeks to leverage Congress’s power to disapprove of such sales amidst a backdrop of escalating conflict and a growing death toll.
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Following a recent escalation of attacks by Israel against Iran, Lebanon, and Palestine, Senator Bernie Sanders, joined by fellow senators, has introduced joint resolutions of disapproval targeting approximately $658 million in U.S. arms sales. These resolutions aim to block the transfer of weapons, including over 12,000 thousand-pound bombs, which were approved under emergency authority by the Trump administration, bypassing congressional review. Human rights organizations highlight the significant civilian casualties and displacement caused by Israel’s actions, raising concerns that these weapons will contribute to further destruction and loss of life. While passage and override of a potential veto are unlikely, the resolutions serve to compel a public record of congressional members’ stance on these arms sales and Israel’s military operations.
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A recent poll indicates a majority of Americans believe the US war in Iran benefits Israel more than the United States, with 56% of likely voters holding this view. Despite justifications from officials, the public largely disapproves of recent military strikes, with 53% expressing opposition. This sentiment extends to concerns about rising domestic prices and the growing risks of escalation, leading to a desire for the war’s immediate end.
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In Pardubice, Czech Republic, activists claiming to be the “Earthquake Faction” set fire to a facility they allege is a joint venture between Israeli firm Elbit Systems and Czech company LPP Holdings. This center, intended for the development of unmanned aircraft systems, was targeted due to its perceived role in supplying weaponry used in conflicts across West Asia. The activists stated that their actions caused no harm and emphasized their resolve to disrupt the production of means to kill, citing ongoing violence in Palestine. Police are investigating the incident, with local reports confirming no injuries.
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Following the Iranian attack on Qatar, gas prices experienced a significant surge. The UK benchmark price briefly reached nearly 183 pence per therm before settling at 154.8 pence, marking an 11.3% increase from the previous day. European gas prices also saw a rise of over 10% in response to the heightened tensions.
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Oman’s foreign minister asserts that Israel persuaded the US administration into a catastrophic war with Iran, a conflict he believes the US has lost control of. He reveals that substantive nuclear talks were on the verge of a deal, only to be derailed by unlawful strikes. The Omani minister condemns these actions as a grave miscalculation and a breach of international law, highlighting that the US is now entangled in a war serving Israeli interests, with no clear endgame.
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The military prosecution has dropped charges against five reservists accused of the violent rape of a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman facility. The incident, captured on CCTV and showing reservists shielding an assault that resulted in severe injuries, had previously sparked nationwide debate and led to the resignation and subsequent arrest of the former top military lawyer who leaked the footage. The decision to drop charges, welcomed by the Defense Minister as justice served, is seen by critics as an attempt to conceal torture and sexual assault, while officials claim exceptional circumstances prevented a fair trial.
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Dozens of Israeli settlers violently attacked Qusai Abu al-Kebash and his family in their village, allegedly including sexual assault and beating, with witnesses and family members corroborating the account. Israeli authorities stated they are investigating the incident, with seven suspects arrested on suspicion of involvement, and the police condemned acts of violence while assuring ongoing efforts to maintain public order. This disturbing event highlights an apparent escalation in settler violence aimed at displacing Palestinians from their homes in the occupied West Bank.
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The escalating Middle East crisis presents a significant challenge to the prevailing approach of taking President Trump “seriously, but not literally.” Following Israel’s strike on the South Pars gas field and Iran’s retaliation, Trump initially claimed ignorance while US officials stated he was aware and approved the operation. His subsequent threat to destroy Iran’s entire South Pars Gas Field if further retaliation occurred has sent energy markets soaring and global stock markets plummeting, indicating the war is becoming increasingly real. The article suggests that Trump, potentially losing control of the conflict, may be seeking scapegoats, even turning on allies like Israel to deflect blame for a war his base opposes.
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Following Israeli strikes on Iran’s South Pars gasfield, Iran retaliated with attacks on energy facilities across the Middle East, including Qatari LNG sites, causing global energy prices to surge. In response, Donald Trump threatened to “massively blow up” the South Pars gasfield if Iran continued its attacks, a move that did not reassure markets. Other nations, like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, also condemned the attacks on energy infrastructure as a dangerous escalation, while the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, impacting global oil and gas supply routes.
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John Q. Hosedrinker