House Bill Seeks to Halt Transfer of Specific Offensive Weapons to Israel Amid Gaza Crisis

Washington, D.C. – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA) announced his co-sponsorship of the "Block the Bombs Act" in June, a legislative effort aimed at imposing limitations on the transfer of certain U.S. defense articles and services to Israel. The bill, formally H.R. 3565, reflects growing congressional concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the use of U.S.-origin weaponry in the conflict.

In a recent social media post, Rep. Beyer stated, > "This move, on top of civilian starvation and killing in Gaza and a disastrous Gaza City attack plan, are proof of the Israeli government's hostility to peaceful coexistence with Palestinians. I cosponsored the Block the Bombs Act in June because we can't support this." His statement underscores the bill's connection to the ongoing crisis in the region.

Introduced by Representatives Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Mark Pocan (D-WI), alongside over 20 co-sponsors, H.R. 3565 specifically targets the transfer of weapons such as BLU-109 bunker busting bombs, MK80 series bomb variants, GBU-39 small diameter bombs, Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) assemblies, SPICE gliding bomb assemblies, 120mm tank ammunition, and 155mm artillery ammunition, including white phosphorus munitions. The legislation mandates that the President cannot transfer these items to Israel unless their specific purpose aligns with U.S. law and Israel provides written assurances of their use in accordance with international humanitarian law.

The bill emerges amidst widespread international concern regarding the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. United Nations agencies and human rights organizations have consistently reported on severe food shortages, widespread displacement, and a high civilian death toll. These reports highlight the dire conditions faced by the civilian population, including instances of famine and a lack of essential services, which proponents of the bill argue necessitate a re-evaluation of military aid.

Advocacy groups, including Amnesty International USA, have actively supported the "Block the Bombs Act," citing evidence of U.S.-origin weapons allegedly being used in incidents that violate international law. These organizations emphasize the importance of congressional oversight to ensure that U.S. foreign policy aligns with human rights principles and international norms, preventing complicity in potential violations.

The legislative push by Rep. Beyer and his colleagues signifies a notable shift in the debate surrounding U.S. military assistance to Israel within Congress. While the U.S. has historically provided substantial aid, this bill represents a direct attempt to assert congressional authority over specific arms transfers, reflecting a segment of lawmakers' desire for greater accountability and adherence to humanitarian standards in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.