Today, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin released the following statement regarding the two Joint Resolutions of Disapproval regarding the sale of weapons to Israel.
“Last night I unfortunately missed a vote series on two Joint Resolutions of Disapproval regarding the sale of weapons to Israel.
“I have struggled with this Joint Resolution of Disapproval more than any previous votes in the nearly two years since Hamas initiated the attacks of October 7. I represent a state with a large Arab and Muslim population and a large Jewish population. And over these last two years, few issues have been as raw as this one. I have therefore worked very hard to call balls and strikes based on my experience and the facts on the ground, even as most people fall firmly into one side or another, and are often reluctant to consider new information.
“I owe it to my state to make clear where I stand: Had I made it back for the vote yesterday, I would have voted yes to block offensive weapons to Israel based on my concerns over lack of food and medicine getting to civilians in Gaza. a vote series due to a long-scheduled appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. This vote series was put on the calendar on Tuesday. When I heard about the new vote, I attempted to get the vote pushed back, but to no avail.
“I have been a strong supporter of the Jewish State of Israel my whole life. And I still am. But despite the fact that Hamas began this bloody round of conflict—and refuses to release the hostages—the images of emaciated children are hard to turn away from. As are the calls from Michiganders who have friends and family trying to survive in Gaza.
“This issue is now widely acknowledged across the political spectrum. Even President Trump this week has expressed concern over the humanitarian situation and urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to ensure the safe delivery of assistance to those in need.
“In general, I think these Disapproval votes are a bad way to do foreign policy. The Executive Branch, whether run by Democrats or now Republicans, has the responsibility to set U.S. foreign policy, and to lead negotiations with both allies and adversaries.
“But it appears today that the Netanyahu government thinks that there are no limits to what they can do while still receiving U.S. support. And so I believe a message has to be sent. Should similar votes on offensive weapons come up in the future, I will take them on a case-by-case basis, with the hope of important humanitarian course corrections. I continue to support the U.S.-Israel security relationship and sale of defensive weapons such as the Iron Dome.
“My views on this come from my experience of serving three tours in Iraq alongside the U.S. military. It was a very bloody war zone, including terrible violence on U.S. forces and Iraqi civilians, carried out by terrorist groups and militias. But even in the most violent years of the war, the U.S. still had the responsibility to facilitate humanitarian supplies into places like Fallujah.
“While the leaders of Hamas deserve what they’re getting in response to October 7, and Israel — like any other country in the world — has the right to defend itself, that doesn’t include letting children go hungry. That is despite Hamas’ sick refusal to relent, prevent further destruction, and release the hostages. Militaries that can pull off dangerous and complex operations overseas can also ensure aid is safely distributed in occupied areas.
“Lastly, I make this statement today because of my deep concern and conviction for Israel’s long-term security. I believe the Israeli people have the right to live a safe and secure life, free from threat, and chart their own destiny. The Israelis are right to demand the release of all the hostages, living and deceased, immediately and not in stages.
“And it has to be said that Israel has dealt with threats to its existence every day since its founding, which is hard for the average American to comprehend. But the actions being taken now by the Netanyahu government threaten the longstanding bipartisan consensus that have helped keep Israel safe since its inception.
“No one leader, especially one putting his own legal needs first, should so significantly threaten the long-term security of the state of Israel. I urge the Trump Administration and the Israeli Prime Minister to get aid in as soon as possible and save lives.”
Yesterday, Slotkin called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff to take immediate action to prevent a further humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. In a letter sent to both officials, Slotkin highlighted a joint proposal from Jewish and Muslim leaders in Michigan aimed at delivering life-saving aid to children suffering from severe food and medical supply shortages.
Read the story about the letter in the Detroit News here.
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