White House Cites Instability In The Country Following Recent Coup

The military overthrow of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has caused the Obama administration to suspend the delivery of four F-16 fighters to Egypt, though senior defense officials say the move is not punitive.

Pentagon spokesman George Little told reporters that delaying the delivery was a cautionary measure, and that the U.S. values its relationship with Egypt. "We do not believe it would be in the best interest of the United States to immediately change all of our assistance to Egypt," he said. But because of the recent developments there, "we do not believe it is appropriate to move forward at this time with the delivery of F-16s.”

The Washington Post reports that the decision was made public just after a conversation between Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Egyptian military leader Gen. Abdel Fatah al-Sissi, who led the forces which unseated Egypt's first elected president. The conversation reportedly lasted over an hour.

A military official not authorized to speak to the media said that the move was designed to give the DoD "more time to consult with Congress" and explain the deal to the elected officials.

The contract, which dates back to 2009, includes a dozen M1A1 tanks as well as the airplanes. It is said to be worth about $3.2 billion.

(F-16 pictured in file photo)

FMI: www.DoD.gov