US Secretary of State Rubio fast-tracks $4B military aid to Israel, bypassing congress
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (L) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands during a joint press conference at the prime minister's office in Jerusalem on February 16, 2025. (AFP Photo)
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Saturday that he expedited the delivery of $4 billion in military assistance to Israel, citing emergency authorities to bypass congressional review.
Rubio stated that this decision reverses what he called a “partial arms embargo” by the Biden administration, emphasizing that Israel has no greater ally than President Trump.
This move follows a $3 billion military sale to Israel approved by the State Department just a day earlier.
Since Trump took office in January, his administration has approved nearly $12 billion in arms sales to Israel.
Background
The U.S. has long supported Israel militarily, but its backing has faced criticism amid Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and accusations of violating international and U.S. laws.
The Trump administration recently repealed restrictions on military aid imposed during Biden’s presidency, further solidifying its commitment to Israel’s security.
