Unprecedented Democratic Consensus Against Israel's Conduct in the West Bank

Democrats in the U.S. Congress have adopted a tougher stance toward Israel, after nearly all members of the party in the Senate recently supported a measure requiring President Donald Trump's administration to prepare a report on human rights in the West Bank, at a time when party leaders are proposing legislation to impose sanctions on settlement construction.

However, although the measure was defeated by a majority of 51 votes to 47, the level of Democratic support reflected an unprecedented willingness to adopt steps that have long been rejected due to the close relationship between Washington and Israel, its closest ally in the Middle East.

The resolution was supported by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, one of the party's most prominent supporters of Israel, and only Democrat John Fetterman voted against it, while Republican Rand Paul joined the supporters, according to Reuters.

The party was less united two years ago, when only 11 Democrats supported a similar effort proposed by Senator Bernie Sanders regarding Gaza. The recent resolution, introduced by Senator Chris Van Hollen, was based on an untested provision in foreign aid law that allows Congress to request information about the human rights record of countries receiving U.S. security assistance and to cut funding if the administration refuses to provide it. It would require the State Department to prepare a non-classified report examining the killing of 9 American citizens by settlers or Israeli security forces, along with an assessment of human rights conditions in the West Bank.

Van Hollen believed that the United States should do more and that it is Washington's responsibility to ensure that recipients of American taxpayers' money act in accordance with American laws and values.

Jeremy Ben-Ami, president of the J Street group, considered the unanimous rebuke to be remarkable, as Democratic support had previously been almost automatic for every pro-Israel decision.

On the legislative front, Senator Chris Coons, a candidate for the chairmanship of the Foreign Relations Committee if his party wins the majority, introduced a bill imposing sanctions on settlement construction in the strategically important E1 area, which would divide the West Bank into two parts and complicate the establishment of a Palestinian state. The significance of this step is highlighted by the fact that Coons had previously joined Republicans in opposing his party's attempts to block U.S. arms sales to Israel.

Meanwhile, Congressman Joaquin Castro from Texas is set to introduce a broader bill that punishes Israel for establishing any new settlements in the West Bank and Gaza or expanding existing ones, and prohibits the import of goods produced there. Castro believes that Democrats must act quickly and use all available tools, including sanctions, or else the opportunity for Palestinian self-determination may fade. These moves come after months of nearly half of the Democrats in the House voting in favor of cutting aid to Israel, and weeks after Britain, France, and Canada announced coordinated sanctions on settlements in the West Bank.

In contrast, Republicans accused Democrats of seeking political gains at a time when Israel faces threats, following seven months of American and Israeli airstrikes that have ignited the ongoing conflict with Iran. Senator Steve Daines from Montana urged his colleagues to reject the resolution to stand by America's ally in the face of what he described as Iranian-backed terrorism.

It is noteworthy that the resolution would not cut aid to Israel, the largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid since World War II, but the administration's failure to provide the report could open the door to imposing restrictions on it. These developments gain additional significance as settler violence against Palestinians has escalated this year.