In a contentious development, the Biden administration's earlier announcement of $8 billion in arms sales to Israel has been pushed through by the Trump administration, circumventing a prolonged review process in Congress. This decision comes on the heels of President Trump’s recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where he discussed plans for Israeli control over the Gaza Strip, describing it as a potential “Riviera of the Middle East.”
**U.S. Arms Sales to Israel: Trump Administration Bypasses Congress in $8 Billion Deal**
**U.S. Arms Sales to Israel: Trump Administration Bypasses Congress in $8 Billion Deal**
The State Department moves to approve a major arms sale to Israel, evoking controversy among lawmakers and raising questions about congressional oversight.
On February 8, the State Department formally notified Congress of its intentions to proceed with the sales, including 3,000 Hellfire missiles and $6.75 billion in bombs and guidance kits. Despite some lawmakers questioning the motivations and transparency behind the decision, the administration moved ahead, presuming that Congress would be unable to halt the sales. Representative Gregory W. Meeks expressed strong discontent, criticizing the bypassing of Congress as a violation of established procedures. He emphasized his ongoing support for Israeli defenses while demanding clearer communication from the administration. As discussions continue, the overall implications of this deal on U.S.-Middle East relations remain unclear.
