Jerusalem, Israel | November 16, 2025:
Israel is reportedly pressing the United States to make any potential sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia contingent upon Riyadh formally normalizing diplomatic ties with Israel. The proposal is part of broader US-led efforts to reshape strategic alignments in the Middle East.
Israeli officials believe that conditioning the advanced fighter jet sale on normalization would help accelerate a historic breakthrough between Israel and Saudi Arabia—two of Washington’s key security partners in the region. The move aligns with ongoing US diplomatic initiatives aimed at stabilizing the region, deepening defence cooperation, and countering shared security threats.
Saudi Arabia has long expressed interest in acquiring the F-35, but Washington has maintained caution due to regional sensitivities, technological safeguards, and political considerations. Israel, which already operates the F-35, holds significant influence over any potential sale due to its qualitative military edge agreements with the US.
Analysts say the normalization-linked approach could become a major bargaining chip in negotiations, potentially reshaping alliances and defence dynamics across the Middle East.
