The U.S. State Department has authorized a significant arms sale to Egypt, valued at over billion, a move that underscores the deep-rooted strategic partnership between these two nations. This announcement, conveyed to Congress on Friday, encompasses the potential sale of approximately .69 billion worth of equipment related to 555 U.S.-made M1A1 Abrams tanks, alongside 0 million in Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and million in precision-guided munitions.

In its official statement, the State Department emphasized that this arms sale aligns with U.S. foreign policy interests and national security objectives by enhancing the security of a “major” non-NATO ally in a region crucial to global stability. Egypt has emerged as an essential partner in the Middle East, particularly since the escalation of conflict in Gaza in October 2023, during which Cairo has played a pivotal role in facilitating ceasefire negotiations.

This arms deal proceeds amidst ongoing discussions within Washington regarding the human rights landscape in Egypt, particularly under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Critics, including organizations like Amnesty International, have raised concerns over the significant number of political prisoners currently in custody, estimated at around 60,000. Notably, British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah remains confined after being convicted for disseminating what authorities deemed false information regarding police conduct.

Despite these concerns, it is worth noting that the Egyptian government has taken steps to address these issues in recent years, having pardoned hundreds of political prisoners within the last two years. However, human rights advocates believe that the number of arrests over the same period far exceeds the number of pardons issued.

The Biden administration, which took office with a promise to take a firmer stance on Egypt’s human rights record, has nonetheless proceeded with several arms agreements since then. In 2022, for example, the administration approved a .5 billion deal that included 12 Super Hercules C-130 transport aircraft and air defense radar systems.

The recent State Department notification to Congress regarding the latest arms sale does not indicate an immediate conclusion of negotiations or the signing of a contract. Furthermore, officials noted that the proposed sale is not expected to alter the military balance in the region. While Congress retains the ability to block such sales, attempts to do so historically face significant hurdles.

Egypt has consistently been one of the largest recipients of U.S. security assistance since signing its peace treaty with Israel in 1979, while Israel remains the foremost beneficiary of U.S. military aid in the region.

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