Feb. 8, 2025, 3:34 p.m. ET - The U.S. State Department has officially informed Congress of its plans to proceed with more than $8 billion in arms sales to Israel, circumventing an informal review process that was still underway in a House committee. The decision comes just two days after former President Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declaring the U.S.'s intention to revitalize the devastated Gaza Strip.
The Pentagon recently announced substantial sales, including 3,000 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles valued at $660 million and additional bombs and guidance kits totaling $6.75 billion. While the artillery shell sales did not receive a formal press release, their value contributes to the overall arms package exceeding $8 billion.
The Biden administration initially unveiled the arms deal in early January, forwarding it to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for informal review. Typically, this process allows lawmakers to probe the State Department regarding the sales beforehand. The two leading Republican members of the committees expressed their support, and even some Democrats lent their approval; however, Representative Gregory W. Meeks of New York, the top Democrat, opted to use the review to seek further clarification.
After over 20 days of informal review, the State Department decided to progress with the arms package, disregarding Meeks’ ongoing inquiries, which he argued highlighted the erosion of traditional oversight concerning congressional prerogatives. Despite voicing his critical support for Israel's defense requirements, Meeks criticized the administration for neglecting the necessary communication and documentation about the arms transfer.
Although the State Department's actions adhere to legal standards, Meeks underscored the concerning implications of sidelining Congressional authority and established protocols in this defense agreement. As the arms transactions move forward unhindered unless Congress can galvanize a two-thirds majority vote against them, the potential long-term effects on U.S. military policy and foreign relations remain to be seen.
The Pentagon recently announced substantial sales, including 3,000 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles valued at $660 million and additional bombs and guidance kits totaling $6.75 billion. While the artillery shell sales did not receive a formal press release, their value contributes to the overall arms package exceeding $8 billion.
The Biden administration initially unveiled the arms deal in early January, forwarding it to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for informal review. Typically, this process allows lawmakers to probe the State Department regarding the sales beforehand. The two leading Republican members of the committees expressed their support, and even some Democrats lent their approval; however, Representative Gregory W. Meeks of New York, the top Democrat, opted to use the review to seek further clarification.
After over 20 days of informal review, the State Department decided to progress with the arms package, disregarding Meeks’ ongoing inquiries, which he argued highlighted the erosion of traditional oversight concerning congressional prerogatives. Despite voicing his critical support for Israel's defense requirements, Meeks criticized the administration for neglecting the necessary communication and documentation about the arms transfer.
Although the State Department's actions adhere to legal standards, Meeks underscored the concerning implications of sidelining Congressional authority and established protocols in this defense agreement. As the arms transactions move forward unhindered unless Congress can galvanize a two-thirds majority vote against them, the potential long-term effects on U.S. military policy and foreign relations remain to be seen.
