Sat Dec 21 09:36:52 UTC 2024: ## US Approves $5 Billion Arms Sale to Egypt Despite Human Rights Concerns
**Washington D.C.** – The United States State Department has approved a potential $5 billion arms sale to Egypt, despite ongoing concerns over the country’s human rights record under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The package includes over $4.6 billion for M1A1 Abrams tanks, along with hundreds of millions of dollars in Hellfire missiles and precision-guided munitions.
The State Department justified the sale, citing its importance to US foreign policy and national security, highlighting Egypt’s role as a key strategic partner in the Middle East, particularly its recent contributions to ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. The close collaboration between the US and Egypt has intensified since the October 2023 Gaza conflict.
However, the approval comes amidst persistent criticism of Egypt’s human rights situation. Amnesty International estimates that approximately 60,000 political prisoners are currently held, including prominent activists. While Egypt has pardoned some prisoners in recent years, rights groups contend that far more have been arrested during the same period.
President Biden, who campaigned on a promise of a firmer stance on human rights in Egypt, has nonetheless approved several substantial arms deals since taking office. This latest sale, while not yet finalized, has been notified to Congress, which retains the power to block it, though such actions are rare.
The State Department insists the sale will not significantly alter the regional military balance and that the tank-related transactions will span up to a decade. Egypt remains a major recipient of US security assistance, second only to Israel.
First Piper 