Sanders Pledges Opposition to Defense Bill Measure
Speaking at the National Press Club in Washington, Sanders argued that the United States should not continue providing military support to Israel and specifically criticized Section 224 of the proposed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The provision would require the US Defense Secretary to appoint an executive agent responsible for coordinating defense-related cooperation between the two countries. The measure covers areas including joint research, development, testing, evaluation, integration, and industrial collaboration in defense technologies.
"That is a provision which I will very strongly oppose," Sanders said.
His speech was briefly interrupted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators before he turned to the conflict in Gaza. One protester accused Israel of committing genocide and apartheid and questioned continued US support for the country.
In response, Sanders highlighted his efforts in the Senate to halt US military assistance to Israel.
"I hope most people in this room know — I led the effort in the United States Senate to end US military aid to Israel," Sanders said.
Addressing the war in Gaza, he added: "I think what happened in Gaza is, in fact — and I say this reluctantly — genocide. The suffering of the Palestinian people exists today."
The senator also argued that broader changes are needed in Washington’s approach to the region.
"It's not just the right-wing extremist racist government of Israel," he said. "Our policy for the Middle East needs some fundamental changes."
The remarks reflect growing debate within US politics over military aid to Israel, defense cooperation between the two countries, and the broader direction of American policy in the Middle East.
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