Progressive Jewish groups back Senate resolutions against arms sales to Israel

(JTA) — A number of progressive Jewish groups are backing an effort by Sen. Bernie Sanders to block arms sales to Israel.

The effort, a collection of several resolutions, is unlikely to pass in the closely divided Senate but could split Democratic lawmakers.

The push is driving a wedge among Jewish organizations in the lead-up to Wednesday’s vote: A group of centrist and right-wing pro-Israel groups oppose the bills. But large liberal Jewish organizations have offered support, signaling those groups’ growing criticism of how Israel is operating in Gaza — as well as a willingness to penalize Is...