Prominent U.S. House Democrat suspends massive deal to sell bombs to Israeli occupation

Washington, Sept. 16 (KUNA) — The U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee announced on Wednesday that prominent Democratic member Gregory Meeks has placed a hold on an $8.2 billion arms sale of bombs to the Israeli occupation, citing concerns over how they might be used in densely populated areas in Gaza and Lebanon.

In a statement posted on its website, the committee said Meeks declared his non-approval of the deal due to "concerns that these munitions will not be used in accordance with U.S. law and international law."

Meeks stated in a remark included in the statement: "The deal proposed by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to sell 40,000 two-thousand-pound bombs, among the most destructive munitions in our arsenal, raises serious, unaddressed concerns about how these weapons will be used in densely populated areas in Gaza and Lebanon."

He clarified that the Trump administration "has not provided sufficient assurances that the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will use these weapons in compliance with U.S. law and with appropriate protection for civilians."

He added, "Therefore, I will not approve this deal at this time," which, in his words, reflects "Congress's responsibility to ensure that U.S.-funded weapons are used legally and responsibly, with genuine safeguards to protect human lives."

The State Department typically respects such "holds" and works with the concerned member to address their concerns. However, the Trump administration previously ignored a hold by Meeks and proceeded with an arms sale in February 2025, despite a "hold" imposed by Democrats on parts of that deal.

(END) R.S.R. / R.J.