Secretary of State Marco Rubio has taken action to send $4 billion in weapons to Israel without congressional approval, using "emergency authorities" for the second time in a month. The decision was announced on Saturday without a detailed explanation, stating it was to fulfill the U.S.’ commitment to Israel’s security.
State Department officials informed congressional committees about the emergency declaration on Friday, raising concerns about bypassing the usual review process. Some munitions cases were already under congressional review, but a significant $2 billion case had not been sent for review, according to a congressional official who spoke anonymously.
This move by the Trump administration highlights the ongoing support for Israel’s security amidst regional threats. The use of emergency authorities sidesteps the typical oversight by Congress, prompting questions about the transparency and accountability of such decisions. The implications of this decision and its impact on U.S.-Israel relations will likely be subject to further scrutiny and debate in the coming days.