Palestinian Americans press US lawmakers over reported Israel arms package

More than 300 Palestinian Americans from 26 states met the offices of more than 100 US lawmakers at the Capitol on Tuesday, according to organisers, calling for changes to US policy on Israel, Gaza, violence in the occupied West Bank and immigration enforcement.

The advocacy day, organised by Americans for Justice in Palestine Action, took place amid reports that the Trump administration was pursuing a proposed US$2.8 billion military package for Israel. Media reports said the package included 20,000 MK-84 2,000-pound bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 munitions, although its contents and approval status were not independently confirmed in the source material.

Participants urged lawmakers to limit arms transfers, address alleged Israeli settler violence in the West Bank and oppose the use of immigration law against pro-Palestinian advocates. Several Democrats have sought to delay or block the reported transfer.

AJP Action also highlighted the cases of two people facing deportation proceedings. Salah Sarsour, a Milwaukee community leader, said he was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement from April to June. Leqaa Kordia described 368 days in ICE detention after being targeted during protests on US university campuses in 2024. Their accounts and related claims were presented by advocates.

The lobbying effort comes after decades in which successive US administrations and Congress have generally resisted conditioning military aid to Israel. Previous attempts to restrict arms transfers and the House’s Block the Bombs Act have gained Democratic support but have not passed.