U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a significant announcement on Saturday regarding military aid to Israel. He has approved the delivery of nearly $4 billion in assistance, effectively reversing a partial arms blockage that originated during the Biden administration.
Rubio expressed strong support for Israel, stating, “The decision to lift this embargo—which unjustly limited essential weapons and ammunition—reinforces that Israel has no better ally than President Trump.” This move comes amid ongoing tensions as efforts to establish a lasting cease-fire between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas continue to face hurdles.
Since President Trump took office, the administration has facilitated around $12 billion in major military sales to Israel, reflecting a strong commitment to supporting U.S. allies. Rubio pointed out that this recent decision aligns with President Trump’s intent to repeal previous restrictions that complicated military assistance to Israel at a critical time.
His announcement was made just days after the State Department authorized nearly $3 billion in additional military sales to Israel, which includes critical defense items. This latest package involves 40,000 defense items, notably including bombs and advanced weaponry valued at over $2 billion.
Rubio indicated that these sales are expected to be delivered over the next few years, but some equipment might be ready sooner, as parts of the order might come directly from U.S. stockpiles.
In his statement, Rubio reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to ensuring Israel’s security against ongoing threats, emphasizing a strong relationship built on shared values and mutual defense interests.
