Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, placed a procedural hold on a proposed $2.8 billion sale of 40,000 two-thousand-pound bombs to Israel.

Meeks announced the decision on Wednesday, citing insufficient assurances from the Trump administration that the weapons would be used in accordance with U.S. law and with adequate protections for civilians in densely populated areas of Gaza and Lebanon. The New York congressman, a longtime supporter of Israel, stated that he remains firmly committed to the country's security and its ability to defend itself against regional threats.

The package includes 20,000 MK-84 general-purpose bombs, 20,000 BLU-117 bombs, and 20,000 I-2000 penetrator warheads. It would be funded largely through the Foreign Military Financing program, under which U.S. taxpayer dollars support purchases of American-made weapons.

Meeks cannot unilaterally block the sale. The hold stems from an informal congressional review process, and the administration retains the option to proceed via an emergency national security determination by the secretary of state.

This marks the latest in a series of arms transfers to Israel under President Trump, following a separate $6.67 billion package earlier this year that brought total recent support above $12 billion. The Biden administration had previously paused shipments of similar heavy munitions in 2024 amid concerns over operations in Rafah.

Israeli officials have maintained that their use of U.S. munitions complies with all applicable laws. The hold reflects ongoing congressional scrutiny of oversight procedures rather than a shift in overall support for Israel's defensive capabilities.