Tel Aviv, December 14, 2025 (Agencies) – Israel is lobbying Washington to halt or limit proposed sales of advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia and Turkey, citing concerns that the move could erode its U.S.-guaranteed qualitative military edge (QME) in the region.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly raised the issue with senior U.S. officials, warning that the transfer of fifth-generation aircraft to regional rivals could undermine Israel’s air superiority. The lobbying effort comes after Washington approved a future sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia, sparking alarm within Israel’s defense establishment.
Israeli officials argue that Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan poses a direct threat if it acquires the jets, while Saudi Arabia’s purchase could trigger a regional arms race. The United States has assured Israel that its QME will be preserved, a commitment enshrined in U.S. law since 2008.
The debate unfolds against the backdrop of fragile regional security dynamics, with Israel continuing to face threats from Hezbollah and Iranian-backed groups. Analysts note that advanced fighter sales to Gulf states could complicate normalization efforts and strain U.S. commitments to balance arms sales with Israel’s security guarantees.
The issue underscores the delicate balance Washington must maintain between strengthening ties with Arab allies and upholding its longstanding pledge to ensure Israel’s military superiority in the Middle East.