Trump Administration Approves $6.5B Israel Arms Package Without Congress Review
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has approved a new $6.5 billion weapons package for Israel while bypassing traditional Congressional oversight, raising sharp debate over executive authority and U.S. foreign policy.
The announcement has triggered concern from lawmakers and watchdogs who say the move sidesteps established review processes, potentially eroding Congress’s constitutional role in arms sales. Critics warn this may set a precedent for future executive actions without sufficient legislative input.
According to reports from Reuters, AP News and the Washington Post, the State Department approved several Defense Department-backed sales valued at more than $6.5 billion to Israel. The largest parts include roughly 30 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters valued at about $3.8 billion and 3,250 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles at nearly $2 billion, along with additional equipment such as power packs for armored carriers.
The State Department announced these approvals after notifying Congress, but without completing the customary congressional review that allows House and Senate foreign affairs committees to examine proposed sales in depth. Traditionally, Congress has up to 30 days to object — a check that was effectively bypassed.
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Representative Gregory Meeks, top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, condemned the move as disregarding long-standing oversight norms and failing to answer key questions about broader U.S. policy. “This administration has blatantly ignored long-standing Congressional prerogatives,” Meeks said.
The timing of the announcement also coincided with a separate $9 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia, intensifying debate over U.S. military engagement in the Middle East.
Supporters in the administration defend the sales as enhancing allied defense capabilities, while opponents argue they undermine constitutional checks and reflect insufficient transparency. Many lawmakers are expected to push for hearings and potential legislation aimed at tightening review requirements for future weapons sales. Congressional leaders have not yet scheduled formal hearings on the matter.
This development underscores ongoing tensions between the executive branch and Congress over foreign military assistance decisions and raises questions about future oversight of arms deals.
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