US Senate defeats attempt to curb Israeli use of cluster bombs

The US Senate today defeated an attempt to curb Israeli use of cluster bombs that was sponsored by Democrats Diane Feinstein of California and Patrick Leahy of Vermont. The vote was 70-30.They attempted to attach a provision to the Pentagon budget, which would require the US, and the countries that it sells arms to, including Israel, to avoid using cluster bombs "in or near" civilian areas.