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Saturday, December 21, 2024
US authorizes military sales of more than $5 billion to Egypt
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleWASHINGTON — The United States government authorizes the sale of more than $5 billion in military equipment to Egypt, which has become an increasingly close partner in mediating the Gaza crisis despite serious human rights concerns.
The State Department informs Congress it approved the sale of $4.69 billion in equipment for 555 US-made M1A1 Abrams tanks operated by Egypt, $630 million in 2,183 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and $30 million in precision-guided munitions.
The sale “will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally country that continues to be an important strategic partner in the Middle East,” according to a statement.
US President Joe Biden took office in 2021 vowing a harder line on Egypt over human rights concerns under President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi, but his administration has repeatedly gone ahead with arms deals with Egypt.
The Times of Israel Community.