US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has invoked emergency authorities to bypass Congress and send $4 billion in arms to Israel, amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. The decision comes as Israel halts all humanitarian aid into Gaza, putting pressure on Hamas to accept a temporary cease-fire extension.
The US had previously announced plans to send $8 billion in arms to Israel, which was approved by the Biden administration but not formally presented to Congress for review. Rubio’s decision bypasses this process, sparking concerns from some lawmakers.
The arms package includes 2,000-pound bombs, bulldozers, and GPS-guidance kits, worth approximately $4 billion. The Pentagon had previously announced details of the sale to Israel, which lists over 35,000 bombs. Critics argue that these bombs are unsuitable for urban combat in densely populated Gaza.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed a cease-fire extension, but Hamas has insisted on serious Israeli participation. The US decision comes as tensions rise between Israel and Gaza, with dozens of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas.
Lawmakers had been conducting an informal review of the arms package, which usually takes no longer than 20 days to complete. However, Rubio’s statement did not explain why he chose to bypass Congress, citing only that the US would “continue to use all available tools to fulfill America’s longstanding commitment to Israel’s security.”
The move has sparked concern among some lawmakers, who argue that it undermines the review process and potentially sets a precedent for future arms deals.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/02/us/politics/rubio-arms-israel.html