US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Announces $4 Billion Military Aid Boost to Israel

Washington D.C. — In a significant move to strengthen US-Israel ties, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Saturday that the Biden Administration’s partial arms embargo on Israel would be reversed, expediting the delivery of approximately $4 billion in military assistance to the country.

Reversal of Partial Arms Embargo

Rubio framed the decision as a necessary correction to a policy that he argued unjustly withheld vital weapons and ammunition from Israel. He emphasized the urgency and importance of the aid, which is expected to bolster Israel's defense capabilities amidst ongoing regional security challenges.

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“I have signed a declaration to use emergency authorities to expedite the delivery of approximately $4 billion in military assistance to Israel,” Rubio stated. “The decision to reverse the Biden Administration’s partial arms embargo, which wrongly withheld a number of weapons and ammunition from Israel, is yet another sign that Israel has no greater ally in the White House than President Trump.”

Strengthening US-Israel Relations

This announcement underscores the continuing strong relationship between the United States and Israel, a partnership that has been a key component of US foreign policy in the Middle East. Since President Trump took office, the US has approved nearly $12 billion in major Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Israel. Rubio's decision marks a continuation of that trend and signals an ongoing commitment to Israel’s security.

“This important decision coincides with President Trump’s repeal of a Biden-era memorandum, which imposed baseless and politicized conditions on military assistance to Israel,” Rubio added. He noted that Israel is currently facing multiple security threats, including from Iran and terror proxies operating in the region.

Biden Administration's Response

The Biden Administration, however, has denied the allegations of withholding military aid, except for a single shipment of 2,000-pound "bunker buster" bombs. These bombs, which had been delayed, were delivered to Israel last month after the Trump Administration took steps to unfreeze the shipment.

Rubio also highlighted Trump’s recent rescinding of National Security Memorandum 20, a directive signed by President Biden last year. The memorandum had introduced conditions on US arms recipients, requiring written assurances that military aid would not be used to target civilians or restrict humanitarian assistance. The policy had been influenced by progressive factions within the Democratic Party.

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Ongoing Commitment to Israel's Security

Despite the political differences, Rubio stressed the Trump Administration’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s defense. “The Trump Administration will continue to use all available means to fulfill America’s long-standing commitment to Israel’s security,” Rubio stated. This includes countering security threats from both state and non-state actors in the region.

As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the US-Israel alliance remains a crucial component in addressing the ongoing challenges facing the Middle East. With the expedited military aid, both nations are positioning themselves to confront emerging threats together, ensuring Israel's security in an increasingly volatile region.