US approves possible F-35 Saudi deal despite Israeli push to link normalization, sale - analysis
Washington advanced a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 aircraft to Riyadh on Thursday, while Israeli officials had sought to tie the deal to Saudi-Israel normalization.
The US State Department announced on Thursday its approval for a potential sale of 48 F-35 aircraft to Saudi Arabia, valued at $24.3 billion. This deal extends beyond just the weapons, as it is seen as a significant change in diplomatic relations. Israel is concerned that the sale is proceeding independently of any potential normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
The State Department's approval does not signify a final contract, but rather a step in the US arms sale procedure, with a 30-day review period beginning in Congress. The administration claims the deal is aimed at enhancing Saudi Arabia's capacity to address present and future threats, as well as strengthening US and regional partnerships.
Critically, Israel's qualitative military edge, guaranteed by law, is a central issue. The US must ensure that arms sales to other Middle Eastern countries do not undermine Israel's advantage. The Trump administration approved the sale, but Israel had hoped for a diplomatic price - specifically, Saudi Arabia's normalization with Israel.
However, this condition was not met, and the sale proceeded. China's potential acquisition of F-35-related technology remains a concern, with the Pentagon's intelligence agency reporting on possible Chinese access to Saudi bases and infrastructure.
The deal's specifics are still unclear, mainly due to the fact that the aircraft intended for Saudi Arabia will likely be less advanced than Israel's F-35I "Adir." The US aims to maintain Israel's qualitative military edge while integrating Saudi Arabia into a new regional security framework.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
