U.S. Approves Over $5 Billion in Military Sales to Egypt Amid Controversy

CAIRO (MilkyStory): The United States on Friday authorized the sale of more than $5 billion in military equipment to Egypt, a strategic partner in mediating the Gaza crisis, despite ongoing concerns about human rights under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

The State Department notified Congress of its approval for a $4.69 billion package to support 555 U.S.-made M1A1 Abrams tanks operated by Egypt, $630 million for 2,183 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, and $30 million for precision-guided munitions.

“This sale will enhance the foreign policy and national security of the United States by bolstering the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that remains a crucial partner in the Middle East,” the department stated.

President Joe Biden, who initially pledged to take a tougher stance on Egypt’s human rights record, has faced criticism for continuing to approve arms deals. Egypt has long been one of the largest recipients of U.S. security assistance since signing its peace treaty with Israel in 1979.

Cairo’s role as a mediator in the ongoing Gaza crisis has strengthened ties between the two nations. However, human rights advocates remain concerned, noting that while Egypt has pardoned hundreds of political prisoners in recent years, rights groups allege at least three times that number have been detained over the same period.

In addition to the Egyptian deals, the State Department approved several other international arms sales, including $295 million in equipment for Taiwan, $170 million in bombs and missiles for Morocco, and $130 million in drones and armored vehicles for Greece.

The announcement regarding Taiwan came shortly after President Biden pledged $571.3 million in new military aid to the island, which China claims as its territory and has vowed to retake by force if necessary.

While Congress retains the authority to block these sales, such efforts are rarely successful, making it likely the deals will proceed as planned.