Democrats in Congress are increasingly adopting a more punitive approach toward Israel, taking steps that could lead to sanctions for settlement building and other actions. On Tuesday, nearly all Senate Democrats voted to advance a measure requiring the Trump administration to produce a human rights report on violence in the West Bank, including deaths of Palestinian Americans. The bid failed 51-47 but reflected the party’s new willingness to embrace measures once considered unthinkable. Top Democrats in both chambers have proposed legislation to impose sanctions on Israeli companies and banks involved in settlement construction. These moves follow months after nearly half of House Democrats voted to cut off aid to Israel, signaling an expanding appetite to move beyond criticism toward actions that could reshape the U.S.-Israeli relationship.

Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, the measure’s author, stated the U.S. must ensure aid recipients align with American laws and values. The resolution invoked a rarely used section of the Foreign Assistance Act to demand a State Department report on Israel’s human rights record, including investigations into nine U.S. citizens killed by settlers or security forces. Though blocked, the near-unanimous Democratic support—including from Senator Chuck Schumer—marked a sharp shift from past years. In 2024, only 11 Democrats supported a similar Sanders-led resolution. Senator John Fetterman was the sole Democrat voting against; Republican Rand Paul joined Democrats in favor. The vote underscored growing party unity on challenging Israel, even as some avoid cutting military aid.