Français
Español
English
Portuguese
“They want to buy, and I plan to sell them. Saudi Arabia is an incredible ally,” Trump said ahead of the crown prince’s visit to the White House on Tuesday.
By United with Israel Staff
President Donald Trump confirmed Monday that he intends to move forward with a major arms deal that would provide Saudi Arabia with advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets, a step that carries significant strategic implications for the Middle East.
“They want to buy, and I plan to sell them. Saudi Arabia is an incredible ally,” Trump said ahead of the crown prince’s scheduled visit to the White House on Tuesday.
The statement instantly reverberated in Israel, where the government has been monitoring the talks closely. Officials in Jerusalem say Washington consulted with Israel before moving ahead and conveyed that any aircraft supplied to Riyadh would arrive only in several years and would lack the most sensitive systems integrated into the Israel Air Force’s own fleet.
Still, despite the diplomatic coordination, Israel has urged the United States to condition any F-35 transfer on Saudi Arabia formally joining the Abraham Accords. Israeli officials argue that expanding the circle of peace partners is essential if another regional state is to receive a platform that plays a central role in maintaining Israel’s security dominance.
Aharon Lapidot, a former Israel Air Force commander and respected defense analyst, warned that the implications go far beyond a routine arms sale.
“If Saudi Arabia indeed joins the select club that holds the American stealth fighter, the implication is not just another advanced jet in the region; it is a change in the basis of the balance of power,” Lapidot told Israel Hayom.
He stressed that Israel’s concerns do not stem from hostility toward Saudi Arabia, but from the responsibility to safeguard its long-term strategic advantage in one of the world’s most unstable theaters.
Saudi Arabia has reportedly asked to purchase up to 48 F-35 Lightning II jets, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to raise the issue directly during his meetings in Washington.
For now, Israel remains the sole operator of the fifth-generation fighter in the Middle East, a capability that provides the IDF with unmatched strike precision, survivability and deterrence.
The coming discussions in Washington will determine whether the United States can advance its warming ties with Riyadh while protecting Israel’s decisive edge – a cornerstone of regional stability and a vital safeguard for the Jewish state’s security.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
