- The proposed package, reported by The Washington Post, would be the largest sale of 2,000-pound bombs in years.
- On Sept. 16, Rep. Gregory Meeks stated the 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 placed a hold on the munitions package, but this is unlikely to prevent the sale, as the administration can circumvent opposition by declaring an emergency requiring an expedited sale.
- Meeks’ opposition reflects Democratic frustration with Israeli Prime Minister and declining American support for Israel’s war in Gaza, where more than 73,000 people have died since October 2023.
- Meeks emphasized that the decision does not diminish Congressional support for Israel’s legitimate defense needs but reflects Congress’s responsibility to ensure U.S.-funded weapons are used lawfully and with safeguards for human life.
Key House Democrat Gregory Meeks has expressed strong opposition to the Trump administration's proposed $2.8 billion arms sale to Israel, which includes 40,000 2,000-pound bombs. Meeks cited grave concerns about the potential use of these munitions in densely populated areas, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon.
In a statement on September 16, Meeks emphasized that the administration has not provided sufficient assurances that the Netanyahu government would use the weapons in compliance with U.S. law and with necessary civilian protections. He described the bombs as some of the most destructive munitions in the U.S. arsenal.2
Despite Meeks' hold on the sale, experts suggest that the Trump administration could still proceed by declaring an emergency to expedite the sale. This proposed package would mark the largest sale of such bombs in years, reflecting ongoing tensions and concerns regarding military actions in the region.13
Meeks' opposition also highlights a growing frustration among Democrats regarding Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's actions and a decline in American support for Israel's military operations in Gaza, where over 73,000 people have died since October 2023, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.45
Meeks stated, “This decision does not diminish Congressional support for Israel’s legitimate defense needs. It reflects Congress’s responsibility to ensure that U.S.-funded weapons are used lawfully, responsibly, and with meaningful safeguards for human life.”6
“Meeks' hold is unlikely to block the sale, as the Trump administration can declare an emergency to expedite it. The proposed package, reported by The Washington Post, would be the largest sale of 2,000-pound bombs in years, amid over 73,000 deaths in Gaza since October 2023.”
