WASHINGTON: US Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has placed a hold on the Trump administration’s proposed $2.8 billion sale of 40,000 bombs weighing 2,000 pounds each to Israel, citing concerns over their potential use in densely populated areas and compliance with US and international law.
Meeks said the proposed package includes 20,000 Mk84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs, describing the 2,000-pound munitions as among the most destructive conventional weapons in the US arsenal.
Ranking Member @RepGregoryMeeks announced he will not clear the Trump administration’s proposed $2.8 billion sale of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel due to concerns that those munitions would not be used in accordance with U.S. and international law. pic.twitter.com/g6mwNvUTOF
— House Foreign Affairs Committee Dems (@HouseForeign) September 16, 2026
He said the administration had not provided sufficient assurances that the weapons would be used by Israel in accordance with US law and with adequate protections for civilians.
The proposed arms package was informally communicated to congressional committees as part of the review process for major US weapons sales. Meeks said he would not clear the transaction at this stage.
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However, his objection does not by itself prevent the administration from proceeding with the sale. Under the informal congressional review process, the president can still move ahead, including by invoking emergency authorities that have previously been used to expedite arms transfers to Israel.
The proposed package, which has not yet been finalised as a completed arms sale, is reportedly to be financed largely through US Foreign Military Financing.
