By Trendsetter Tribune 
The U.S. government approved four major arms sales to Israel totaling roughly $6 billion, prompting an immediate backlash from House Democrats who say the Trump administration bypassed long-standing congressional review procedures. The Pentagon confirmed the approvals on Friday, setting off fresh debate over transparency and U.S. involvement in the Gaza conflict.
The newly approved sales include Namer Armored Personnel Carrier power packs valued at up to $740 million, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles worth as much as $1.98 billion, AH-64E Apache helicopters estimated at $3.8 billion, and AW119Kx light utility helicopters valued at up to $150 million. Senior lawmakers say the administration broke decades of established norms by moving forward without engaging Congress.
Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, sharply criticized the move. He said the administration notified him of the deals only one hour before formally advancing them and did not participate in any policy briefings. Meeks called the decision a “repudiation” of Congress’ constitutional oversight role and warned that the pattern of bypassing lawmakers is becoming more frequent.
He added that ignoring the informal review process undermines basic checks and balances, noting that top Republicans have remained silent as the administration accelerates weapons transfers while avoiding scrutiny over next steps in Gaza.
The State Department has traditionally waited for informal approval from both parties on the House and Senate foreign affairs committees. However, officials under Trump have repeatedly advanced foreign military sales without that sign-off, arguing that delays could harm U.S. partners or long-term strategic interests. Critics contend that the approach weakens accountability and limits Congress’ ability to steer foreign policy.
In a separate approval on Friday, the State Department authorized the potential sale of Patriot interceptor missiles and associated equipment to Saudi Arabia at an estimated cost of $9 billion. The equipment includes 730 PAC-3 MSE missiles manufactured by Lockheed Martin. Officials say the sale will not shift the regional military balance or affect U.S. defense readiness.
The latest approvals come at a time of heightened tension surrounding U.S.-Israel military cooperation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drew criticism this month after claiming that Israeli soldiers died in Gaza due to arms embargoes that were lifted when Trump took office. Senior American officials disputed his remarks, while Netanyahu separately announced plans for Israel to begin phasing out U.S. military assistance over the next decade.
The United States has spent about $32 billion supporting Israel over the past two years. Roughly $23 billion was allocated during President Biden’s first year of the war in Gaza, covering the majority of Israel’s wartime military costs. During the second year, under President Trump, aid totaled $3.8 billion—the annual level outlined under the long-standing security agreement.
The new wave of arms approvals signals a continued deepening of U.S. military ties with Israel, even as lawmakers debate the administration’s approach to oversight, transparency, and the broader direction of U.S. policy in the region.