JERUSALEM — An Israeli Cabinet minister says his country "believes and hopes" that the U.S. decision to cut aid to Egypt will not affect the two countries' historic peace deal.

Home Front Minister Gilad Erdan says Israel and Egypt have maintained close ties and that there is cooperation and "constant contact" between the two countries.

He told Army Radio on Thursday: "I hope this decision by the United States will not have an effect and won't be interpreted as something that should have an effect."

Israel and Egypt's landmark 1979 peace accord is a pillar of stability between the two nations and was the first peace agreement Israel signed with an Arab state.

Israel considers the U.S. aid to Egypt to be important support for the agreement.