When Senator Bernie Sanders made a move to block a U.S. arms sale to Israel in April last year, he was joined by only 14 Democratic senators. Fast forward to this month, and the scene in the Senate has dramatically changed with 39 Democrats backing Sanders' latest objection to another Israeli arms sale. This marked shift has sparked discussions from Washington D.C. to Jerusalem about who truly leads the Democratic stance on Israel.

In a recent interview, Sanders commented on the changing tide, noting the significant increase in support for his position. "That’s true. I mean we got 40 votes, and Schumer got seven. We have more support for our position than Chuck has for his," Sanders stated, highlighting the dwindling support for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s stance, who has consistently voted in favor of the arms sales.

Observers note that while the arms sales have been pushed through by Republicans and some pro-Israel Democrats, the growing support for Sanders’ blocking efforts sends a clear message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. support might not be as steadfast as before, especially concerning military campaigns in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.

Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat supporting the arms sales, suggested that while Netanyahu’s government needs restraint, Sanders might be using the wrong approach. However, Sanders has found an ally in fellow Vermont Senator Peter Welch, who commended Sanders for his influential role in rallying opposition.

The division within the Democratic ranks was a topic of hot discussion, even among Senate Republicans. Majority Whip John Barrasso reportedly pointed out during a Senate lunch that Sanders, not Schumer, now leads the Democrats on Israel policy.

Sanders expressed no surprise at Schumer’s unchanging stance but noted the shift in perspective among other Democrats. "Folks are looking at both policy and politics — people like Mark Kelly of Arizona, Cory Booker of New Jersey, and a number of others — who are saying it’s time that we began to vote the way our constituents would like us to vote," Sanders explained.

Behind the scenes, Sanders has been less active in lobbying his colleagues, believing the issue's clarity speaks for itself. He highlighted the growing domestic opposition to U.S. military aid to Israel, spurred by Netanyahu's controversial actions and the unnecessary escalation of conflicts, such as the war with Iran.

Addressing concerns about appearing anti-Israel or antisemitic, Sanders was firm: "Antisemitism is an absolutely disgusting ideology... But taking on the racist and extremist policies of the Netanyahu government is not antisemitic. That is nonsense."

Sanders is optimistic about continuing to challenge the arms sales, expecting further support shifts within both the Democratic and Republican ranks. With a focus on aligning U.S. foreign policy with the sentiments of American voters, Sanders is gearing up for more legislative battles over U.S. military aid to Israel.