In brief
A memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicates that, despite a sweeping suspension of U.S. foreign aid under the Trump administration, exceptions exist for military support directed at Israel and Egypt. This decision comes as a critical shipment of 2,000-pound bombs was authorized for Israel, despite previous efforts by the Biden administration to halt similar deliveries last summer.
On January 25, 2025, it was reported that U.S. military aid would continue for Israel, as the Pentagon received the green light to send 1,800 MK-84 bombs amid ongoing conflict. This memo outlined a 90-day reassessment period during which new funding applications and designations will be paused, spurring anxiety among various international organizations that rely on U.S. assistance for their operations, such as disease control and climate impact mitigation.The administration's actions have stirred significant reactions globally, highlighting the tension between military support in the Middle East and humanitarian needs elsewhere.
