The Biden administration is allocating the full $1.3 billion in military aid to Egypt, bypassing Congress’ conditions tied to concerns about human rights. The decision was made in recognition of Egypt’s role as a mediator in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Secretary of State Antony Blinken waived conditions on $225 million, emphasizing the importance of Egypt in promoting Middle East stability and assisting U.S. national security priorities, such as brokering cease-fires and providing humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Blinken informed Congress that Egypt has shown progress in releasing political prisoners and preventing harassment of Americans, meeting requirements to receive $95 million in aid. The State Department underscored ongoing discussions with Egypt regarding the necessity for concrete human rights advancements to uphold a strong U.S.-Egypt partnership. Despite longstanding concerns about human rights abuses by President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi’s government, the move highlights Egypt’s pivotal role in preventing a broader regional conflict and safeguarding U.S. interests.

While human rights organizations and the State Department have documented instances of arbitrary killings, torture, and repression of civil society in Egypt, the administration has chosen to send the aid to maintain strategic ties with the country. Democratic Senators Chris Coons and Chris Murphy criticized the decision, stating that Egypt has not shown sufficient progress in addressing human rights abuses. Murphy, who heads the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee overseeing the Middle East, expressed disappointment in the shift, emphasizing Egypt’s continued authoritarian practices.

The State Department acknowledged some positive steps taken by Egypt, including the release of over 950 political detainees since September 2023 and efforts to reform pretrial detention procedures. However, it emphasized the need for further action and reforms. El-Sissi has denied the existence of political prisoners in Egypt, attributing government actions to counterterrorism efforts. Despite the concerns raised by rights groups and lawmakers, the U.S. administration’s decision reflects a balancing act between human rights considerations and geopolitical interests in the region.