Congress objects to Trump administration's plan to sell 40,000 bombs to Israel

Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks, a member of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, has objected to the Trump administration's plan to sell approximately 40,000 bombs worth $2.8 billion to Israel.

New York Representative Meeks stated that the administration has not provided sufficient assurances that the munitions in question would be used by the Israeli government in accordance with U.S. and international law. For this reason, Meeks announced that he would not authorize the sale.

Stating that the sales plan includes 2,000-pound bombs, which weigh approximately 900 kilograms, Meeks emphasized that concerns regarding the use of such munitions in densely populated areas have not been addressed.

I remain strongly committed to Israel's security and its ability to defend itself against serious regional threats. However, the Trump administration's proposal to sell 40,000 2,000-pound bombs raises serious and unresolved concerns about how some of the most destructive munitions in our arsenal could be used in densely populated areas like Gaza and Lebanon.

Meeks noted that his decision does not mean that Congressional support for Israel's defense needs is waning, stating that it demonstrates Congress's responsibility regarding weapons provided by the U.S.

According to reports in the U.S. press, the munitions package, which was informally transmitted to the relevant Congressional committees, includes 20,000 MK 84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs.