Trump Administration Approves $7.4 Billion Military Sale to Israel Amid Congressional Concerns

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday its approval of a major arms sale to Israel worth approximately $7.4 billion, despite calls from Democratic lawmakers to delay the transaction until further information was provided.

The Department of Defense confirmed that the State Department had given the green light to a military package valued at an estimated $6.75 billion. The deal includes munitions, guidance kits, and fuses, with Boeing Co. (BA.N) among the primary contractors. The announcement coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, where he met with President Trump, administration officials, and members of Congress.

Representative Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized the decision, arguing that it bypassed the long-standing practice of congressional review for major weapons sales. He stated that his concerns about the sale had been raised with the administration, which he said had failed to provide sufficient documentation or justification.

“I continue to support Israel’s critical military needs as it faces a range of regional threats and was engaged in close consultation with the Administration on a range of questions and concerns,” Meeks said in a statement. However, he expressed disappointment over the lack of congressional oversight, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the legislative branch’s role in such decisions.

“This decision shows a blatant disregard for Congress as a co-equal branch of government. In the United States, we do not have kings—we are a democracy rooted in the Constitution, governed by laws,” Meeks asserted.

The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter.

This approval follows a similar arms deal under former President Joe Biden’s administration, which had notified Congress in January of a proposed $8 billion sale to Israel. Historically, such deals have undergone scrutiny by the chairs and ranking members of the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees, allowing for review and requests for additional information before formal congressional notification.

The latest sale underscores the Trump administration’s continued support for Israel’s defense capabilities, even as tensions persist over the role of congressional oversight in arms deals.