US Senate blocks measure demanding report on rising violence in West Bank

On Tuesday, the US Senate thwarted a proposal that would have compelled President Donald Trump's administration to submit a report to Congress regarding the escalating violence in the West Bank, including the loss of American lives. This vote underscored the ongoing discord between US Democrats and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government concerning Israel's treatment of Palestinians and the Republicans' steadfast backing for Netanyahu's coalition.

The Senate's outcome was predominantly along party lines, with every Republican against the resolution except Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, and every Democrat in favor, except John Fetterman of Pennsylvania.

The resolution would have necessitated the State Department to report to Congress on the fatalities of US citizens inflicted by Israeli settlers or security forces in the West Bank, and to evaluate the human rights scenario. Though the resolution wouldn't have decreased aid to Israel, which is the foremost recipient of US foreign assistance since World War II, the administration's failure to furnish the report could have sparked restrictions on aid.

Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, the resolution's chief advocate, contended that it was "long past time" to probe human rights in the West Bank, mentioning the deaths of nine Americans since 2022. He emphasized, "It is our duty to ensure recipients of US taxpayer dollars behave in accordance with our laws and our values." Conversely, Republicans contended that Democrats were attempting to capitalize on political gains while Israel is in peril, seven months after the US and Israeli forces initiated airstrikes as part of an ongoing conflict with Iran.

Montana Republican Senator Steve Daines urged his colleagues to vote against the resolution to support their ally Israel in countering "the scourge of Iranian-backed terrorism."

This vote occurred weeks before the US midterm elections on November 3, in which predictions indicate that Trump's Republicans might lose their congressional majorities, potentially altering Israel policy in the forthcoming Congress. Polls suggest the war with Iran is unpopular among Americans, who are aggrieved by the inflation resulting from the conflict.

Netanyahu, who has frequently aligned himself with US Republicans, faces an election in Israel on October 27, with public opinion polls indicating his right-wing coalition could suffer a loss. Israel has controlled the West Bank since 1967, with the UN and most countries deeming the settlements there unlawful under international law governing military occupation.

Israel perceives the territory as disputed, not occupied. Some Democrats and a few Republicans have also advocated for curbs on military aid to Israel due to its handling of the war in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have perished and the majority of the enclave lies in ruins.