The U.S. State Department has informed Congress of its intention to sell more than $8 billion in arms to Israel, following a recent meeting between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This decision comes just days after Trump promised to rejuvenate the Gaza Strip, envisioning it as the "Riviera of the Middle East." The package includes 3,000 Hellfire missiles worth $660 million and $6.75 billion in bombs and guidance kits.
Originally announced by former President Biden in January, the arms deal was sent to the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees for informal review. While some lawmakers supported the deal, Rep. Gregory W. Meeks raised concerns, seeking deeper discussions and documentation from the administration. Despite his hold on the review process, the State Department proceeded with the arms sales, leading Meeks to criticize the administration for overstepping Congress's role.
While the arms sales are legally permissible, the situation highlights tensions regarding congressional prerogatives and the administration's communication with lawmakers. The move suggests a potential challenge to traditional oversight in U.S. arms sales policy.
