Rubio Accelerates Military Aid Delivery to Israel Amid Ongoing Conflict
Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, announced the fast-tracked delivery of $4 billion in military aid to Israel amidst ongoing conflict with Hamas. The Trump administration has approved nearly $12 billion in military sales, emphasizing commitment to Israel’s security. The aid comes as both Israel and Hamas navigate a fragile ceasefire following intensified hostilities since October 2023.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the expeditious delivery of approximately $4 billion in military assistance to Israel on Saturday. The announcement follows nearly $12 billion in military sales approved by the Trump administration since taking office on January 20, emphasizing the U.S.’s longstanding commitment to Israel’s security amid ongoing threats.
Rubio utilized emergency authority to hasten military aid delivery to Israel, currently experiencing a delicate ceasefire with Hamas, an organization designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. Since the onset of conflict on October 7, 2023, initiated by Hamas’ attack, Israeli forces have seen substantial casualties, tallying over 48,000 Palestinian deaths according to health officials in Gaza, with a significant proportion being civilians.
The Pentagon recently disclosed that the State Department approved potential weapons sales, totaling nearly $3 billion, to Israel, which includes bombs and demolition kits. This decision to bypass standard congressional reviews marks the second instance an emergency declaration has been invoked by the Trump administration to expedite arms sales to Israel, a practice also adopted by the Biden administration.
On January 19, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was declared, concluding 15 months of conflict and facilitating negotiations for a permanent resolution. This agreement resulted in the release of 33 Israeli hostages and approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, Israel’s recent actions to propose a temporary ceasefire for Ramadan and Passover suggest uncertainties regarding the forthcoming phases of the ceasefire agreement.
The expedited military assistance to Israel, totaling $4 billion, and the potential sale of an additional $3 billion in weapons underscores the U.S. commitment to ally security amidst ongoing conflicts. The current ceasefire, although beneficial, remains fragile, as both parties accuse each other of violations, clouding future negotiations. Continuity in emergency declarations reflects a significant shift in how arms sales to Israel are processed, bypassing traditional checks in times of crisis.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
