Gregory Meeks Considered a Supporter of Israel — and Now He's Blocking a $2.8 Billion Arms Deal

Senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Gregory Meeks, known as a staunch supporter of Israel, is blocking a $2.8 billion American arms sale to Israel. Meeks cited serious concerns for civilian lives and a lack of sufficient guarantees from the Trump administration that the weapons would be used in accordance with U.S. law. The deal includes tens of thousands of bombs and warheads.

Senior Democrat on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, Gregory Meeks, known as a staunch supporter of Israel, has placed a significant obstacle in the way of a major Trump administration arms deal to Israel worth $2.8 billion. Meeks explained the move by citing serious concerns for civilian lives, stating that the Trump administration did not provide sufficient guarantees that the weapons would be used by the Netanyahu government in accordance with U.S. law and with proper protection for civilians. The deal, funded through U.S. military aid, includes 20,000 MK-84 bombs, an equal number of BLU-117 bombs, and 20,000 I-2000 penetrating warheads. Although Meeks does not have unilateral veto authority to completely cancel the deal, his power stems from the informal practice known as "tiered review," whereby the State Department submits major arms deals for prior approval by the chairs of congressional foreign affairs committees before formal notification. Complete cancellation of the sale requires joint legislation by both houses of Congress with a majority capable of overriding a presidential veto.