Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced his support on Sunday for the emergency sale of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition to Israel. Additionally, he urged swift congressional approval of over $100 billion in aid, earmarked for Israel, Ukraine, and other critical national security priorities.
Blinken defended the emergency ammunition sale, emphasizing its significance in bolstering Israel’s defense capabilities. Simultaneously, he pressed for the expedited approval of substantial financial assistance, underscoring the strategic importance of supporting Israel and Ukraine in the face of evolving security challenges.
The Secretary of State’s statements reflect a broader commitment to fortifying alliances and addressing pressing security concerns through both immediate measures, such as emergency arms sales, and comprehensive financial support outlined in the proposed aid package.
Blinken said the needs of Israel’s military operations in Gaza justify the rare decision to bypass Congress. “Israel is in combat right now with Hamas,” he said during television interviews. “And we want to make sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Hamas.” Secretary of State
The tank ammunition and related support constitute only a small portion of military sales to Israel, Blinken said, and that the rest remains subject to congressional review. “It’s very important that Congress‘ voice be heard in this,” he said.