Israel Urges U.S. to Protect Its Advanced Military Edge Amid Planned F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia

Israel has expressed its expectation that the United States will continue to safeguard its qualitative military edge in the Middle East amid plans to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. A spokesperson for Israel's Prime Minister’s Office reaffirmed the country’s requirement for maintaining its strategic defense advantage in the region, in accordance with U.S. law.

"The United States and Israel have a long-standing understanding, which is that Israel maintains the qualitative edge when it comes to its defense," spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian stated during a press briefing. "That has been true yesterday, that has been true today, and the Prime Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) believes that will be true tomorrow and in the future."

This represents the Israeli government’s first official response since U.S. President announced the proposed sale on Monday during a White House meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. The deal could involve the transfer of up to 48 F-35 jets to the kingdom, signaling a significant shift after previous U.S. administrations had refrained from such sales.

Currently, Israel is the only country in the Middle East equipped with the advanced F-35 aircraft. U.S. arms export regulations mandate that any arms transactions in the region must not diminish Israel’s military superiority.

Despite lacking formal diplomatic ties, Saudi Arabia has publicly indicated interest in normalizing relations with Israel. During his visit to Washington, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized his desire for a “clear path toward a two-state solution” recognizing Palestinian statehood, a position at odds with Netanyahu’s government, which opposes establishing a Palestinian state.

The potential aircraft sale occurs within a broader context of shifting alliances and ongoing regional security concerns in the Middle East, underscoring the delicate balance Washington must maintain between its allies.