Trump approves sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia

US President Donald Trump said he would approve the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Trump made the announcement while speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday (November 17). It signals a major shift in Washington’s modern arms policy towards Arab countries.
The day before, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited the United States. The president said, “We will sell the F-35s.” At the time, the US president praised the improved relations between Washington and Riyadh. Trump also said, “Yes, I’m going to do it. They want to buy. They’re a great ally.”
Trump’s decision is being seen as a major success for Riyadh – especially as he tries to persuade Saudi Arabia to establish formal relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords. However, Saudi officials have repeatedly reiterated that they are committed to the Arab peace plan, which calls for recognizing Israel on the basis of the establishment of a viable Palestinian state.
The potential arms deal between Washington and Riyadh raises questions about Israel’s “qualitative military superiority” – which is protected under US law. Some Israeli officials have already expressed opposition to the sale of the F-35 to Saudi Arabia. The US has a decades-old commitment to ensuring that Israel maintains superior military capabilities compared to potential regional adversaries.