AOC and other House Democrats back resolution to block proposed U.S. arms sale to Israel

Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Mark Pocan of Wisconsin and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan have led in introducing a resolution aiming to block the sale of millions of dollars worth of weapons to Israel.

President Biden's administration green-lighted the sale of $735 million in weapons to the Jewish State and Congress was formally notified about the proposed weapons sale on May 5.

Time is almost up on the 15-day window for Congress to pass a resolution disapproving of the proposed sale in order to block it, but the press release says that "after that time period has lapsed, Congress can still block or modify any sale up to the point of delivery."

"For decades, the U.S. has sold billions of dollars in weaponry to Israel without ever requiring them to respect basic Palestinian rights. In so doing, we have directly contributed to the death, displacement and disenfranchisement of millions," Rep. Ocasio-Cortez said. "At a time when so many, including President Biden, support a ceasefire, we should not be sending 'direct attack' weaponry to Prime Minister Netanyahu to prolong this violence," she said in the statement.

The resolution's initial co-sponsors include Democratic Reps. Cori Bush of Missouri, Betty McCollum of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Pramila Jayapal of Washington and André Carson of Indiana.

The resolution comes amid regional conflict as Israel has been the target of rocket attacks launched from Gaza and the Jewish State has struck Gaza with airstrikes and shelling.