Rubio Accelerates Delivery of Four Billion in U.S. Military Aid to Israel

Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, announced the signing of a statement to expedite the delivery of four billion dollars in U.S. military aid to Israel. Rubio stated that since Donald Trump's return to the White House, the U.S. has approved nearly 12 billion dollars in major foreign military sales to Israel. The U.S. Secretary of State emphasized that the country will continue to use 'all available tools' to fulfill the long-standing U.S. commitment to Israel's security, including 'tools to counter security threats.' Marco Rubio added that he has utilized emergency powers to expedite military assistance to Israel. Meanwhile, the Pentagon announced on Friday that the U.S. State Department has approved a potential sale of nearly three billion dollars in bombs, demolition kits, and other military weapons to Israel. The Trump administration had previously informed Congress of the potential sale of these weapons on an emergency basis, thus bypassing the usual procedure of allowing presidents and members of the foreign relations committees of the House and Senate to review the sale and request more information before an official announcement to Congress. The Trump administration had declared an emergency once again to expedite the approval of arms sales to Israel. The Biden administration also confirmed the sale of weapons to Israel without congressional review by using the President's emergency powers. During the terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, by Hamas, a group supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1,200 mostly civilian Israelis were killed, and over 250 others, including the elderly, women, and children, were taken hostage to Gaza. Following this terrorist attack, Israel launched an assault on Gaza to destroy Hamas and free all the kidnapped hostages. According to Israeli estimates, more than 50 hostages are still held captive by the Hamas terrorist group, most of whom have lost their lives. Israel's response to Hamas's opposition to extending the ceasefire; halting the entry of goods. Israel supported the U.S. plan to extend the ceasefire, while Hamas did not. Israel targeted another arms smuggler for Hezbollah in Lebanon. Ten people were injured in a terrorist attack in Israel. Rubio: Hamas should immediately return the remaining 59 hostages.