U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, announced his opposition on Wednesday to the proposed sale of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel due to concerns over potential violations of international law.
The Trump administration is preparing to offer Israel a munitions package valued at $2.8 billion, including tens of thousands of highly destructive 2,000-pound bombs, as disclosed by a knowledgeable U.S. official. While congressional committees typically review such sales through an informal process, Meeks’ objection alone does not have the authority to block the sale.
President Trump has previously bypassed Congressional oversight to expedite military transactions with Israel, reflecting his close relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. The planned sale, communicated informally to relevant congressional committees overseeing major arms deals, comprises 20,000 MK-84s and 20,000 BLU-117s, according to an anonymous official source.
The news of this proposed arms deal was initially reported by The Washington Post. Both the State Department and the Israeli Embassy have not yet responded to requests for comments on the matter.
In a statement, Meeks emphasized his commitment to Israel’s security but expressed reservations about the potential repercussions of providing 40,000 2,000-pound bombs, some of the most powerful munitions available, especially regarding their usage in densely populated areas like Gaza and Lebanon.
Public support for Israel in the U.S. has declined since the onset of the Gaza conflict in 2023, particularly among Democratic voters. A recent poll by Quinnipiac University revealed that a growing percentage of Americans, especially Democrats, believe the U.S. support for Israel is excessive, signaling a shift in public opinion.
The use of 2,000-pound bombs by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon has drawn criticism from human rights advocates. According to health authorities in Gaza, over 73,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in Israel’s military operations. Despite accusations of genocide by a UN inquiry, Israel denies these claims.
The escalating tensions led to a conflict on Feb. 28 when the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran, triggering retaliatory strikes by Iran on Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases. The resulting military actions have resulted in significant casualties and displaced millions of people.
