On February 8, 2025, the State Department indicated its intention to proceed with the arms package, which includes significant military hardware such as 3,000 Hellfire missiles valued at $660 million and approximately $6.75 billion worth of bombs and guidance systems. The announcement was made two days after Trump’s visit with Netanyahu during which he expressed intentions to revitalize the Gaza Strip, dubbing it the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
Originally announced by President Biden at the close of his administration, the package was sent to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for informal review. Although some Republican lawmakers supported the sales, questions raised by Representative Gregory W. Meeks, the leading Democratic member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, went unanswered. Meeks expressed concerns about the deals, specifically addressing the lack of transparency and documentation from the administration.
Despite his reservations, the lack of opposing votes means the sales are likely to proceed without significant hurdles, as stopping the arms transfer would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress. Meeks condemned the administration's bypass of the legislative process, labeling it a “blatant disregard of longstanding congressional prerogative,” while reaffirming his commitment to supporting Israel’s defense needs.
This decisive action by the U.S. government raises alarms regarding the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress and the implications for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. As the situation develops, experts and legislators alike are keeping a close watch on the ramifications of this unprecedented arms deal.
Edward Wong contributes to this report with insights on global affairs and U.S. foreign policy.
Originally announced by President Biden at the close of his administration, the package was sent to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for informal review. Although some Republican lawmakers supported the sales, questions raised by Representative Gregory W. Meeks, the leading Democratic member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, went unanswered. Meeks expressed concerns about the deals, specifically addressing the lack of transparency and documentation from the administration.
Despite his reservations, the lack of opposing votes means the sales are likely to proceed without significant hurdles, as stopping the arms transfer would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress. Meeks condemned the administration's bypass of the legislative process, labeling it a “blatant disregard of longstanding congressional prerogative,” while reaffirming his commitment to supporting Israel’s defense needs.
This decisive action by the U.S. government raises alarms regarding the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress and the implications for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. As the situation develops, experts and legislators alike are keeping a close watch on the ramifications of this unprecedented arms deal.
Edward Wong contributes to this report with insights on global affairs and U.S. foreign policy.
