Sen. Heinrich Statement on Senate Vote to Block Select Offensive Weapons Transfers to Israel

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement after voting to block the transfers of 2,000-pound bombs, warheads, Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMS), and Small Diameter bombs to Israel.

"We need to prioritize de-escalating this conflict now. To finally end the bloodshed and achieve lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians, the path forward requires the immediate return of a ceasefire, release of hostages and reinstatement of humanitarian aid, and an end to Hamas' rule in Gaza.

"While Israel undoubtedly has the right to defend itself, it must follow U.S. and international humanitarian law. Right now, Israel is acting in direct violation of the requirements mandated under the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act.

"As an ally, we must send Israel's government a strong message that now is the time to de-escalate this conflict. I encourage, in the strongest possible terms, all involved in the ongoing negotiations to take this seriously before more lives are lost."

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