Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., a Black Democrat who serves as the highest-ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is placing a hold on the Trump administration’s proposed $2.8 billion sale of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel.
Meeks announced in a statement posted to X on Wednesday (September 16) that he would not clear the sale, citing concerns about how the weapons could be used in densely populated areas of Gaza and Lebanon. The proposed package includes 40,000 2,000-pound bombs, according to Meeks’ office.
“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.
Meeks said his decision does not diminish congressional support for what he described as Israel’s defense needs. Instead, he said Congress has a responsibility to ensure U.S.-funded weapons are used lawfully and with safeguards for human life.
The Hill reported that Meeks’ decision to publicly announce the hold is notable because congressional objections to arms sales are generally handled behind the scenes, often as lawmakers work toward a compromise. The outlet reported that the move comes amid Democratic frustration with the Trump administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
Meeks’ hold does not necessarily prevent the sale from moving forward. Reuters reported that his objection alone cannot stop the transaction if the president declares an emergency requiring an immediate sale.
The proposed sale follows the Trump administration’s reversal of a Biden-era pause on shipments of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. The Biden administration had paused one shipment in 2024 over concerns about the potential use of the weapons in densely populated areas of Gaza.
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