Democrat Holds Up $2.8 Billion Arms Sale to Israel

Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has placed a hold on a proposed $2.8 billion sale of heavy weaponry to Israel. Meeks stated on Wednesday that he has "grave, unresolved concerns" about how these munitions might be used in densely populated areas of Gaza and Lebanon, potentially violating U.S. and international law.

"The Trump administration has not provided sufficient assurances that these weapons will be used by the Netanyahu government in accordance with U.S. law and with appropriate protections for civilians," Meeks said in a statement. "I therefore will not clear this sale at this time."

The proposed package includes 40,000 powerful 2,000-pound bombs. The transfer of such large-yield bombs had previously been paused by the Biden administration due to concerns over the potential for mass casualties.

While Meeks' objection could delay the sale, it may not ultimately prevent it. The Trump administration has previously used an emergency determination to bypass the normal congressional review process for arms sales to Israel, citing urgent national security interests. Secretary of State Marco Rubio took this step last year to approve a nearly $3 billion sale and again in January for another series of sales totaling $6.67 billion.

The State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the new proposed sale or Meeks' objection.

The current proposed sale comes as Israel faces increasing international scrutiny over its war in Gaza, which began following the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas. The conflict has resulted in a high number of Palestinian casualties and widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip. Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, violence has persisted.