(CLO) The U.S. State Department announced a $7 billion arms sale to Israel without congressional review, according to senior Democratic member Gregory Meeks of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
This agreement, which includes thousands of Hellfire missiles and bombs, was announced just days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Donald Trump and other senior officials in Washington, D.C. It also marked the first meeting between a foreign leader and Trump at the White House during his second term.
Normally, the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee would be notified of arms sales contracts, given time to review them, and ask questions. However, despite Meeks having many unanswered questions, the Trump administration proceeded with the deal.
In this photo from January 22, Israeli troops and military vehicles prepare to enter Jenin in the West Bank. (Photo: Gi)
A congressional aide said they were "shocked but not surprised" by the Trump administration's decision, while emphasizing that Trump's earlier dissolution of USAID demonstrated a disregard for congressional oversight.
This contract marks the Trump administration's first arms deal with Israel, but the country has received billions of dollars in military aid from the U.S. under previous administrations.
Last summer, the Biden administration approved a $20 billion arms sale to Israel, including more than 50 F-15 fighter jets.
Josh Paul, a former State Department official who resigned in 2023 due to the Biden administration's policy toward Gaza, argues that disregarding congressional oversight is a blatant disregard for the legislature.
Ha Trang (according to USP, CNN)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/bo-ngoai-giao-my-ban-goi-vu-khi-7-ty-usd-cho-israel-ma-khong-thong-qua-quoc-hoi-post333598.html
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