Kaine Issues Statement Regarding Vote on Offensive Weapons Transfers to Israel

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees), released the following statement regarding the upcoming Senate votes to block three out of over 100 separate weapons transfers to Israel by the Biden Administration since October 7, 2023:

"Since February, I have argued that the United States must prioritize the transfer of defensive weapons-such as those used to defeat drone and missile attacks-to Israel instead of offensive weapons that cause severe civilian harm in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. Continued offensive weapons transfers will worsen the current crisis and add more fuel to the fire of regional instability. Therefore, while I voted for the $14 billion defense aid package for Israel in April and continue to support the transfer of defensive weapons, I will vote to oppose the transfers of mortars, tank rounds, and Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) to Israel. We must work toward de-escalation and a sustainable peace that provides for the safety and security of the Israeli, Palestinian and Lebanese people, and for U.S. servicemembers deployed throughout the region."

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