WASHINGTON: US Senate Republicans on Tuesday blocked a measure that would have required the State Department to report to Congress on the killing of American citizens by Israeli settlers or security forces in the West Bank and to assess the human‑rights situation there.
The procedural vote, which fell 47‑51 largely along party lines, marked the latest friction between US Democrats and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government over Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. All Republicans voted no except Rand Paul (R‑KY), and all Democrats voted yes except John Fetterman (D‑PA).
The resolution, sponsored by Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen (MD), had been introduced after nine U.S. citizens were reported killed since 2022, amid a sharp rise in violence by Jewish settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
“It is long past time to examine human rights in the West Bank, including the deaths of American citizens,” Van Hollen said in a statement. “It is our responsibility to ensure recipients of U.S. taxpayer dollars act in line with our laws and our values.”
Republicans accused Democrats of exploiting the issue for political gain while Israel confronts threats from Iran. “I urge my colleagues to vote no on this resolution so we can stand with our ally Israel as they beat back the scourge of Iranian‑backed terrorism,” said Senator Steve Daines (R‑MT) in a speech.
The vote, which would not have cut aid to Israel but could have triggered restrictions if the report were not delivered, comes weeks before the U.S. midterm elections on November 3 and Israel’s own election on October 27. Polls show the conflict with Iran is unpopular among Americans, and that Trump’s Republicans could lose their congressional majorities in the midterms. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s right‑wing coalition faces a potential defeat at the ballot box.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967. The United Nations and most countries deem the settlements there illegal under international law governing military occupation, a position Israel rejects.
Some Democrats—and a few Republicans—have also called for curbs on military aid to Israel over its conduct in Gaza, where tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed and much of the enclave lies in ruins.
Updated 1 min 13 sec ago
September 30, 2026 05:56
