Out of the 51 Democratic senators, 27 voted in favour of stopping the arms deal — the strongest opposition yet from within the party. Their stance signals mounting unease over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, especially as the humanitarian crisis in the region deepens.

Veteran lawmaker Senator Bernie Sanders, who has been vocal about ending offensive weapons sales to Israel, described the result as a turning point. “The tide is turning,” he said, underscoring the growing demand to re-evaluate America’s military support.

One of the most surprising changes came from Senator Patty Murray, known for her longtime support of Israel. She explained her vote was aimed at sending a firm message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “This government cannot keep going down this path,” she said.

Senator Dick Durbin, another staunch pro-Israel figure, admitted his decision was a difficult one. “It’s painful,” he noted, adding that the ongoing suffering in Gaza is no longer defensible. “People are starving and dying due to Netanyahu’s policies.”

While the resolution didn’t pass, the vote lays bare a widening divide in Washington over how far the US should go in backing Israel, especially amid increasing global scrutiny of the war in Gaza.