The United States plans to send a batch of F-16 fighter planes and 200 military tanks to Egypt on Monday, despite opposition from some Congressmen, said William Taylor, the special coordinator for Middle East Transitions.

“Congress did not change the laws on selling arms to Egypt,” he said. “The US administration listens to all views, but does not necessarily [concede to] them all.”

Since signing a peace treaty with Israel in 1979, Egypt has received US$1.3 billion in annual military aid from the US. But after Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated President Mohamed Morsy was sworn into office, some Congressmen have called for cutting aid to Egypt.

Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm