WASHINGTON — 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, citing unresolved concerns about potential misuse in densely populated areas of Gaza and Lebanon. Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., announced Wednesday he would not approve the transfer of 40,000 2,000-pound bombs, including 20,000 MK-84 and 20,000 BLU-117 models, due to what he described as "grave, unresolved concerns" about compliance with U.S. and international law.
Meeks’ objection does not halt the sale. The administration was informally notified to Congress on Tuesday, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio retains the authority to bypass congressional review by declaring the transaction an urgent national security interest. Rubio has exercised this power previously, including to approve a nearly $3 billion sale to Israel in 2025 and an additional $6.67 billion in arms transfers in January 2026.
The proposed package marks the latest in a series of Trump administration efforts to bolster Israel’s military capacity. The 2,000-pound bombs have been a point of contention, with the Biden administration pausing their transfer in 2024 over civilian casualty concerns before resuming shipments under the current administration. The State Department has not responded to requests for comment on the proposed sale or Meeks’ objection.
Meeks’ rationale
Meeks stated in a press release that the Trump administration had not provided "sufficient assurances" that the Netanyahu government would use the munitions in accordance with U.S. law or with adequate protections for civilians. His hold comes amid ongoing military operations in Gaza and heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, where such weapons have been deployed in the past.
Administration’s path forward
While Meeks’ procedural objection does not legally block the sale, it signals bipartisan unease in Congress. Rubio’s potential use of an emergency determination would sidestep the standard congressional review process, a move critics argue circumvents democratic oversight. The administration has not confirmed whether such a determination will be made.
Details of the proposed sale
The $2.8 billion package includes:
- 40,000 2,000-pound bombs (20,000 MK-84 and 20,000 BLU-117 models)
- 20,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads
These munitions are capable of penetrating reinforced structures and causing significant collateral damage in urban environments. Human rights organizations have previously criticized their use in densely populated areas, citing risks to civilian infrastructure and lives.
The sale follows a pattern of increased U.S. military support for Israel under the current administration, including prior transfers of similar ordnance. The White House has stated that all foreign arms sales proceed through "appropriate processes" but declined to comment on pending transactions.