The recent conflict between Israel and Palestine has once again brought the issue of arms sales to the forefront of political discussions. As the death toll continues to rise, many are calling for a change in the way the United States conducts business with Israel. And now, a new bill has emerged as a potential solution to this ongoing problem – the “Block the Bombs” bill.
Introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders, the “Block the Bombs” bill aims to halt the sale of US-made bombs and weapons to Israel, which have been used in the current conflict. This bill has gained momentum and support from both sides of the political spectrum, with even former AIPAC Democrats joining in to support it. And with the 2026 midterms on the horizon, the bill’s supporters are presenting it as a litmus test for the future of American politics.
The Intercept recently reported on the growing support for the “Block the Bombs” bill, highlighting the fact that even former AIPAC Democrats are signing on. AIPAC, or the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, is a powerful pro-Israel lobbying group that has long held significant influence in Washington. However, the recent violence in Gaza has caused a shift in the political landscape and has led to a growing number of lawmakers reevaluating their stance on the issue.
The Intercept’s report highlights the case of Representative Mark Pocan, a Democrat from Wisconsin, who has been a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights and has often clashed with AIPAC in the past. Pocan has now signed on to co-sponsor the “Block the Bombs” bill, stating that “we need to be very careful about the weapons we sell to other countries, especially when there’s serious human rights abuses going on.”
Pocan’s support for the bill is just one example of the changing attitudes towards Israel in Congress. The Intercept also notes that other lawmakers, such as Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have also expressed their support for the bill. This growing support from Democrats, including those who have previously been closely aligned with AIPAC, is a significant development in the ongoing debate over US-Israel relations.
The “Block the Bombs” bill is not without its opponents, however. AIPAC and other pro-Israel groups have been quick to push back against the bill, arguing that it would undermine Israel’s ability to defend itself against terrorist attacks. However, supporters of the bill argue that the US should not be complicit in the ongoing violence in the region and that the sale of weapons to Israel only perpetuates the cycle of violence.
The bill’s supporters are also framing it as a litmus test for the 2026 midterms, suggesting that the American public is increasingly becoming more aware of the consequences of US support for Israel. The Intercept’s report notes that a recent poll found that a majority of Americans support conditioning aid to Israel based on its human rights record. This growing public sentiment could have a significant impact on the outcome of the 2026 midterms, with candidates who support the “Block the Bombs” bill potentially gaining more support from voters.
The “Block the Bombs” bill is not a perfect solution to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. However, it is a step in the right direction towards addressing the issue of US support for Israel and its role in the ongoing violence. And with even former AIPAC Democrats signing on to support the bill, it is clear that there is a growing shift in the political landscape and a growing desire for change.
In conclusion, the “Block the Bombs” bill has emerged as a potential litmus test for the 2026 midterms and has gained support from both sides of the political spectrum. With growing public awareness and support for conditioning aid to Israel based on its human rights record, it is clear that the issue of US support for Israel will continue to be a major topic in the political sphere. And with the 2026 midterms on the horizon, the outcome of this bill could have a significant impact on the future of American politics.
