Bernie Sanders pushes resolutions to block US weapons sales to Israel

Attempt by independent senator set to test Democratic support for longtime US ally amid Trump’s war on Iran

An attempt set for Wednesday by senator Bernie Sanders to block sales to Israel of bombs and bulldozers will serve as the latest litmus test of support for the longtime US ally among Democrats.

Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Senate Democrats, plans to call up for a vote a resolution halting a $151.8m sale of 12,000 1,000lb bombs to Israel’s military, as well as a second resolution that would prevent the sale of $295m in bulldozers.