Rubio Signs $4 billion in military assistance to Israel

$4 Billion in Military Assistance Approved

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Saturday that he had signed a declaration to accelerate the delivery of approximately $4 billion in military assistance to Israel.

Increased Military Sales to Israel

Since taking office on January 20, the Trump administration has approved nearly $12 billion in major foreign military sales to Israel. Rubio stated that the administration would continue using all available tools to support Israel’s security, including countering regional threats.

Emergency Authorization for Arms Transfers

Rubio invoked emergency authority to fast-track the delivery of military aid to Israel. The Pentagon confirmed on Friday that the State Department had approved the sale of nearly $3 billion in bombs, demolition kits, and other weaponry.

The administration bypassed the usual congressional review process, which typically allows key House and Senate committee members to assess such sales before formal approval.

Policy Changes in Military and Foreign Aid

The Trump administration recently rescinded a Biden-era order requiring reports on potential violations of international law involving U.S.-supplied weapons. Additionally, most U.S. humanitarian foreign aid programs have been eliminated.

Ceasefire Agreement and Ongoing Tensions

The Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which took effect on January 19, ended 15 months of conflict. It facilitated negotiations to conclude the war and led to the release of 44 Israeli hostages and around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

However, both sides have accused each other of ceasefire violations, raising concerns about the second phase of the agreement, which includes further hostage and prisoner exchanges and steps toward a permanent resolution.

Hours before the first phase of the ceasefire was set to expire, Israel agreed to a proposal by Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, for a temporary ceasefire during Ramadan and Passover.

“Rubio Signs $4 billion in military assistance to Israel”