Senator Hassan Statement on Israel Arms Sales Votes

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statement today after voting on weapons sales to Israel:

"Throughout my time in public service, I have supported the unshakable alliance between the United States and Israel, built on our shared democratic values. In recent years, the Israeli people have suffered unspeakable atrocities, most notably the horrific October 7 attacks by Hamas and the slaughter of 1,200 people, and our support is vital to preserving the only Jewish state in the world. That is why I will always work to ensure that the United States remains Israel's strongest and most dependable ally.

"I evaluate all sales of military equipment on a case-by-case basis. In this case, my assessment is informed by President Trump's and Prime Minister Netanyahu's reckless decision to go to war, a war that has cost American servicemembers their lives, undermined our national security, and increased costs beyond the breaking point for many American families.

"To date, the President has failed to provide the American people with a consistent, let alone legitimate, rationale for going to war. He has also failed to meet his constitutional obligation to make his case for war to Congress and get approval for it from the people's representatives. In the absence of a clear rationale and strategy for this war and given the President's failure to obtain authorization to conduct this war from the American people, I have serious questions about any supplemental expenditures for this war, let alone additional sales of weapons for the same war to Israel.

"The world will be better off if we can achieve a two-state solution that allows Israel to live in peace with the Palestinian people and its other neighbors. But Prime Minister Netanyahu has undermined that goal by expanding his war in the region and through other actions such as support for unlawful settlements in the West Bank.

"Israel is one of our closest allies and always will be. But supporting a friend can sometimes mean speaking up about hard truths. I have and will always support Israel's right to exist and defend itself, but at this time, I do not support these sales to Israel."

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