Explosive Move: Trump Bulldozes $8.4 Billion Weapons Package to Israel

In a bold move that's sparking Washington controversy, the Trump administration has expedited a massive $8.4 billion weapons package to Israel, bypassing the typical congressional review process.

The State Department formally notified Congress on Friday of the arms sales, which include:

- 3,000 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles ($660 million)

- $6.75 billion in bombs and guidance kits

- Additional unspecified ammunition

This comes just days after President Trump's high-profile meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which he dramatically pledged to "take over" Gaza and transform it into a "Riviera of the Middle East."

Representative Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized the administration's approach. While supporting Israel's military needs, Meeks accused the Trump team of showing "blatant disregard of longstanding congressional prerogative."

The sales are nearly guaranteed to proceed, as blocking them would require a two-thirds vote in both congressional chambers—a high bar that's unlikely to be met.

This isn't the first time the Trump administration has used controversial methods to expedite arms sales. In 2019, then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo similarly moved weapons sales to the UAE and Saudi Arabia by declaring an "emergency"—a move that prompted a State Department inspector general investigation.

The current $8.4 billion package was initially announced in early January during the Biden administration's final weeks and had been undergoing an informal review process.

Beyond this package, Congress is currently reviewing Israel's request to purchase 5,000 assault rifles from American manufacturers. The State Department may soon submit additional assault rifle license requests.

New York Times contributed to this article.