The State Department has officially informed Congress of its plan to proceed with sales of over $8 billion in weapons to Israel, bypassing an ongoing informal review process in one House committee.
This decision was made just two days after President Trump’s meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where he declared that the U.S. would transform the devastated Gaza Strip into a “Riviera of the Middle East.”
On Thursday, the State Department formally notified Congress of its intentions. The same day, the Pentagon announced the sale of 3,000 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles to Israel valued at $660 million, along with $6.75 billion worth of bombs and guidance kits. The sale of artillery shells, a direct commercial transaction, did not require a detailed statement from the Pentagon. Combined, these sales exceed $8 billion.
In early January, the Biden administration announced the $8 billion sale and submitted the package for informal review by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Lawmakers had the opportunity to ask detailed questions before making a decision on approval.
While the top Republican lawmakers on the committees approved the sales, a Democratic senator also gave his approval. However, Representative Gregory W. Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the committee, chose to utilize the review process to seek additional information.
After more than 20 days in informal review, the State Department decided to move forward with the sales. Halting the orders would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress.
Mr. Meeks criticized the Trump administration for sidelining Congress and proceeding with the arms transfer despite his objections. He emphasized the need for meaningful documentation and justification for such decisions.
Mr. Meeks argued that the administration’s actions represented a blatant disregard for congressional prerogative and challenged the balance of power among branches of government.
In a similar fashion to a previous incident involving an emergency declaration, the Biden administration moved forward with the sales to Israel without citing an emergency. However, this decision raises concerns about congressional oversight and the use of emergency provisions.
In addition to the $8 billion package, Israel has requested a license to purchase 5,000 assault rifles from American manufacturers. The State Department may submit more requests for assault rifle licenses to Congress, a process that was previously delayed during the Biden administration.