Israel has expressed its position regarding the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, urging the United States to condition the sale on the progress of diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Jerusalem. An unnamed Israeli official indicated that while Israel does not oppose the sale, it believes that any transfer of these advanced jets should be linked to Saudi normalization efforts with Israel.
According to the official, “We told the Trump administration that the supply of F-35s to Saudi Arabia needs to be subject to Saudi normalization with Israel.” This stance contrasts sharply with Israel’s opposition to the sale of F-35s to Turkey, which it views as a more significant threat. The official noted, “We are less concerned about such weapons systems in Saudi Arabia if it is part of a regional security cooperation as part of the Abraham Accords,” similar to the arrangement Israel has with the United Arab Emirates.
Strategic Discussions at the White House
The comments from Israeli officials come as President Donald Trump prepares to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House. Their discussions are expected to include a mutual defense agreement that may involve the sale of F-35 jets. One Israeli official highlighted the geographical proximity, stating, “It takes minutes for an F-35 to fly from Saudi Arabia to Israel.” This proximity raises concerns for Israel regarding the potential deployment of Saudi jets near its borders.
Israeli officials have insisted that not conditioning the sale on normalized relations would be “counterproductive.” They emphasize that maintaining security in the region requires careful consideration of military assets being transferred to neighboring states.
The F-35, known for its stealth capabilities and advanced technology, can reach speeds of up to Mach 1.6, approximately 1,200 miles per hour. It is available in several variants, including the F-35A for conventional takeoffs, the F-35B for vertical landings, and the F-35C designed for aircraft carriers. Each unit costs at least $101.5 million. Currently, Israel is the only Middle Eastern nation operating F-35s, with a fleet of 45 jets and an additional 30 on order.
Potential Financial Implications
During a recent press briefing, Trump noted that Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in acquiring “a lot” of fighter jets, with estimates suggesting that the kingdom could invest billions for 48 planes. In May 2017, Trump signed a historic defense agreement with Saudi Arabia worth $142 billion, which included the provision of advanced military equipment and services from various U.S. defense firms.
Trump has previously expressed hope that Saudi Arabia would eventually join the Abraham Accords, which have facilitated the normalization of relations between Israel and several Muslim-majority countries in the region. However, Saudi Arabia has indicated that it seeks assurances regarding the establishment of Palestinian statehood before formalizing any agreements with Israel.
As part of his visit, Bin Salman will participate in a meeting of the US-Saudi Business Council at the Kennedy Center, where he is set to engage with numerous CEOs from across the United States. This marks his first trip to the U.S. since the controversial killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul in 2018.
The ongoing discussions between the United States and Saudi Arabia regarding military sales and diplomatic relations highlight the complex dynamics in the region, particularly as they relate to Israel’s security concerns and the broader implications for Middle Eastern stability.
