Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushes effort to send Israel $4B in military aid

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has made a significant announcement on Saturday regarding the expedited delivery of nearly $4 billion in military aid to Israel. This decision marks a reversal of the partial arms blockage that was imposed during the Biden administration. Rubio emphasized that this move showcases the unwavering support that Israel has from the White House, particularly under President Trump’s leadership.

Amidst this development, the ongoing efforts to establish a permanent cease-fire between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas continue to face challenges. The Trump administration has been proactive in approving approximately $12 billion in major foreign military sales to Israel since taking office, demonstrating a strong commitment to bolstering Israel’s security.

The recent decision to expedite military assistance to Israel comes in the wake of President Trump’s repeal of a Biden-era memorandum that had imposed unnecessary conditions on military aid to Israel. Rubio highlighted the importance of this decision, especially as Israel faces threats from Iran and terror proxies on multiple fronts.

Just two days prior to this announcement, the State Department approved a potential sale of nearly $3 billion in bombs, demolition kits, and other weaponry to Israel. This includes a wide range of defense items, such as MK 84 and BLU-117 bombs, Predator warheads, and various munitions, valued at $2.04 billion. The delivery of these weapons is expected in 2026, with the possibility of immediate shipment for some items from U.S. stock.

Additionally, Rubio approved a second package of munitions sales to Israel totaling $675 million for the year 2028. This demonstrates the Trump administration’s commitment to leveraging all available tools to uphold America’s longstanding pledge to ensure Israel’s security and combat security threats effectively.

In conclusion, the expedited delivery of military aid to Israel underscores the strong partnership between the United States and Israel in maintaining regional stability and security. The Trump administration’s proactive approach in supporting Israel’s defense needs reflects a strategic alignment that prioritizes the safety and well-being of both nations.