Democrat blocks $2.8bn bomb sale

Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House foreign affairs committee, refused to clear a Trump administration sale of 40,000 one-ton bombs to Israel worth $2.8 billion.

Concerns over civilian protection

Meeks said the Trump administration failed to provide assurances that Israel would use the weapons lawfully and with proper protections for civilians, citing his responsibility to ensure compliance with US law.

“I therefore will not clear this sale at this time.”

How the hold actually works

Meeks cannot veto the sale alone, but uses informal "tiered review" custom where the state department seeks sign-off from top lawmakers before formal congressional notification. Congress would need a veto-proof resolution to kill it outright.

Trump bypassed review before

In 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared a national security emergency to bypass congressional review and fast-track nearly $3 billion in weapons. Trump has now cleared or expedited over $12 billion in arms for Israel since taking office.

Legal questions about Israeli conduct

The state department flagged at least five Israeli military units for potential violations of the Leahy laws, which bar aid to units linked to extrajudicial killings. A UN commission found Israel's Gaza campaign amounted to genocide.

Meeks emphasizes pro-Israel stance

Despite the hold, Meeks stressed his support for Israel's legitimate defense needs, framing the decision as Congress's responsibility to ensure weapons are used lawfully and responsibly.

“This decision does not diminish congressional support for Israel's legitimate defense needs.”