Baldwin Statement on Joint Resolutions of Disapproval

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Tammy Baldwin released the following statement on the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval on arms sales to Israel:

“I have been clear throughout my career and certainly in the past year: I support Israel’s right to defend itself. Since the October 7th attacks in which Hamas terrorists brutally murdered 1,200 innocent Israelis, I have proudly voted to ensure that Israel can continue to defend itself. My heart still hurts for those grieving the loss of a loved one and the families of the hostages with an empty seat at the dinner table.

 “However, under Netanyahu, we have seen the deaths of thousands of innocent women and children in Gaza – widening this regional war, undermining the future prosperity of Israelis and Palestinians for generations to come, and pushing a two-state solution further from reach. Netanyahu’s reckless approach to the war is not bringing us closer to freeing the hostages or enduring peace – and we can and must continue to push him to protect the lives of innocent Palestinians.

“However, these resolutions are not the solution. I’m abstaining because neither a ‘yes’ nor ‘no’ vote captures my goals of both supporting Israel’s right to defend themself and protecting the lives of innocent Palestinians.

“As I have said for nearly a year, it is time to end this war and de-escalate the conflict in the Middle East, bring the hostages home, and surge desperately needed humanitarian aid into Gaza. Our North Star always must be peace and a two-state solution that delivers security for the Israeli people and self-determination for the Palestinian people.”

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