Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY) have placed holds on a $2.8 billion weapons sale to Israel. Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, cited concerns regarding civilian casualties in Gaza and settler violence in the West Bank. The package includes 40,000 one-ton bombs, which were previously withheld by the Biden administration due to concerns regarding their use in Gaza and resulting civilian casualties.
The holds come amid a three-year war between Israel and Hamas that began in October 2023. According to Palestinian health officials, an estimated 70,000 Palestinians have been killed during the conflict, though these figures do not distinguish between civilians and militants. Lawmakers noted that their concerns also extend to Israeli military actions in Syria and the destruction of basic infrastructure in the West Bank.
Under an informal consultative process, the top Democrats on the relevant foreign affairs committees have the authority to hold major arms sales. This allows for a period where the State Department attempts to address specific legislative concerns before proceeding. While Shaheen reportedly placed her hold in July, Meeks made his hold public on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Meeks stated he is seeking assurances that the weapons will be used in accordance with U.S. and international humanitarian law.
The $2.8 billion deal represents a significant transfer of heavy munitions, specifically 40,000 one-ton bombs. The block affects the Israeli government and military, which are currently facing what Israeli media describes as a severe troop shortage. What happens next depends on negotiations between the State Department and the two committees; there is no reported deadline for when the holds must be lifted or when the weapons would otherwise have been delivered.