PolicyBrief
S.J.RES. 40
119th CongressMar 27th 2025
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed export of certain defense articles to Israel.
IN COMMITTEE

Blocks the sale of over $1,000,000 in firearms and related items from the U.S. to the Israel National Police.

Bernard "Bernie" Sanders
I

Bernard "Bernie" Sanders

Senator

VT

LEGISLATION

Resolution Aims to Block Sale of 2,300 M4 Rifles to Israeli National Police

Congress is looking at a joint resolution designed to stop a specific arms export to Israel. If enacted, this measure would block the transfer of 2,300 Colt M4 carbine rifles – the 5.56mm caliber, fully automatic version with an 11.5-inch barrel – intended for the Israel National Police. The deal, valued at $1 million or more, was set to go through M. R. D. Efram Investments Ltd.

Hitting Pause on a Specific Arms Deal

Think of this joint resolution as Congress using its authority to hit the brakes on a particular international transaction. It's not a wide-ranging ban, but a targeted disapproval focused squarely on this shipment of 2,300 M4s. The resolution specifically names the rifles, the intended end-user (Israel National Police), and the intermediary company, leaving little room for ambiguity about which export is being halted.

Beyond the Barrels: Potential Ripples

The most direct impact is straightforward: the Israel National Police wouldn't receive these specific firearms through this particular channel. M. R. D. Efram Investments Ltd. would also be directly affected as the facilitator of the blocked sale. While the resolution focuses narrowly on this one transaction, actions concerning arms exports, especially involving long-standing allies, often carry broader implications. Halting even a single sale can be interpreted as a signal regarding foreign policy stances or concerns about the equipment's potential use, potentially impacting diplomatic and defense relationships. It puts a spotlight on the checks and balances involved in international arms transfers.