U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration has decided to provide Egypt with its full $1.3 billion military aid allocation for 2024, overriding human rights conditions for the first time during this administration.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed the decision on Wednesday, which comes amid Egypt’s critical role in mediating talks between Israel and Hamas in an effort to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed Congress that the administration would waive a certification requirement tied to $225 million in military aid, citing “the US national security interest.” The spokesperson emphasized that this decision aligns with advancing regional peace and supporting Egypt’s “specific and ongoing contributions to US national security priorities.”
“This decision is important to advancing regional peace and Egypt’s specific and ongoing contributions to US national security priorities, particularly to finalize a ceasefire agreement for Gaza, bring the hostages home, surge humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in need, and help bring an enduring end to the Israel-Hamas conflict,” the spokesperson stated.
This marks the first time during the Biden administration that Egypt will receive its full military aid allocation. In previous years, portions of the aid—specifically $320 million—were withheld due to concerns over Egypt’s human rights record. Despite ongoing concerns, Washington has recognized Egypt’s strategic importance in the region, particularly as it mediates sensitive negotiations amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Human rights groups have long criticized the US government for providing military aid to Egypt despite alleged abuses under the government of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.