Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the Senate vote regarding S.Res.504, a resolution requesting information on Israel’s human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. While Senator Murray supports the request for information, she expressed her concern that the resolution could establish a process by which U.S. security assistance to Israel may be totally cut off and voted in support of the motion to table the resolution.
“After the heinous terrorist attack on October 7, Israel’s right to defend itself should not be at question—no country can be expected to tolerate that kind of threat on its doorstep. Make no mistake, Hamas is a ruthless terrorist organization—their egregious use of sexual violence and rape during this conflict must also be forcefully condemned. But the execution of this military conflict by Netanyahu’s government has resulted in far too many civilian casualties, and impediments to the delivery of basic necessities—like food, water, medicine, and fuel—to civilians in desperate need of aid is worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. Israeli settler violence in the West Bank has also dramatically risen, fueled by the rhetoric of some in the Israeli government. None of this excuses terrorist attacks from Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations across the region. But neither does it bring us closer to peace, nor does it make Israel safer.
“Altogether, the destruction in Gaza and the situation unfolding in the West Bank is not just a tragedy—it has also been an unquestionable strategic failure by Netanyahu’s far-right government. Protecting civilians and addressing the humanitarian crisis is not only a moral necessity, it is necessary strategically. As Americans, we have learned that you cannot defeat terrorism through sheer military force alone.
“While I do believe the United States Congress should be fully informed of the nature of Israel’s war in Gaza while we continue to support our ally, I am concerned that the resolution could potentially cut off all aid to Israel and send a message that invites other adversaries in the region to expand the current conflict. Though I could not support the resolution for this reason, I commend Senator Sanders for bringing up this vote and forcing an important conversation—and I renew my call for the administration to use the leverage of our support to press our Israeli allies to help maximize the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian aid into Gaza as they work to negotiate the immediate release of the remaining hostages, and recalibrate military operations to target Hamas in a manner that betters protect innocent life.
“I believe we absolutely have to pass a supplemental funding bill that includes humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, and as Chair of the Appropriations Committee, this continues to be a top priority for me as we move forward.”
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