Key facts
- Rep. Gregory Meeks opposes a $2.8 billion sale of 40,000 2,000-pound bombs to Israel.
- Meeks cited concerns that the weapons might not be used in accordance with international law and US law.
- The proposed sale includes 20,000 MK-84 bombs, 20,000 BLU-117 bombs, and 20,000 I-2000 penetrator warheads.
- Meeks' objection follows reports that the US is planning to supply Israel with 40,000 of what Meeks called 'some of the most destructive munitions in our arsenal'.
- Meeks' objection alone cannot stop the sale, but it follows an informal custom of congressional review.
- The Trump administration can sidestep Congress and press ahead with the sale.
Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, announced he will not support a proposed $2.8 billion arms sale to Israel, citing concerns over compliance with US law and international humanitarian standards.
Meeks stated that the Trump administration had not provided sufficient assurances that the weapons, including 40,000 2,000-pound bombs, would be used in accordance with US law and with appropriate protections for civilians. The proposed sale includes 20,000 MK-84 bombs, 20,000 BLU-117 bombs, and 20,000 I-2000 penetrator warheads. Meeks emphasized that the decision does not diminish congressional support for Israel's defense needs but reflects Congress's responsibility to ensure US-funded weapons are used lawfully and responsibly.
While Meeks' objection cannot single-handedly veto the sale, it utilizes the informal practice of "tiered review" where top foreign affairs lawmakers provide an unofficial sign-off before formal notification to Congress. A veto-proof joint resolution of disapproval would be required in both chambers to block the transfer outright, a high bar that has not been cleared in recent similar attempts. The US Israel relationship still has substantial bipartisan backing, but support has been softening among Democrats. J Street, a liberal pro-Israel advocacy group, said in a statement to Israeli newspaper Haaretz: "You cannot rebuild Gaza with 2,000lb bombs."