Trump Approves Sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia, Raising Concerns in Israel

After days of speculation, U.S. President Donald Trump officially announced the approval of a significant arms deal involving the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. “They are great allies,” Trump stated. However, this decision has sparked considerable concern in Israel, where many fear it could undermine Israel’s military superiority in the Middle East, invoking the concept of Qualitative Military Edge (QME).

Understanding the Qualitative Military Edge

Israel’s relationship with the United States has long been anchored in a fundamental principle established since the 1960s: Israel is a liberal bastion in the Middle East, and its survival is deemed a vital U.S. interest. The U.S. seeks to ensure that Israel can defend itself and deter threats, an approach ensuring American intervention is not the first line of defense.

Historical Context

The principle of QME dates back to the 1980s when a major arms sale to Saudi Arabia, involving AWACS radar systems, raised alarm bells in Israel. Despite ongoing concerns regarding the erosion of Israel’s technological advantage during the 1980s and 1990s, U.S. officials maintained that Israel retained its qualitative military superiority through advanced tactics, training, and logistics.

Prof. Eitan Galbou, an expert on U.S.-Israel relations from Bar-Ilan University, explains that the U.S. has historically ensured Israel’s military edge through upgraded weapon systems and variations of equipment sold to Arab nations. For instance, when the U.S. sold F-15 aircraft to Arab countries, they provided Israel with a modified version, known as the F-15I, that incorporated unique Israeli electronic systems.

Legislative Safeguards

The QME was codified in U.S. law in 2008 to ensure Israel’s ability to repel any conventional military threat. This legislation mandates that the U.S. government evaluate Israel’s military standing compared to regional threats prior to arm sales. The law was further strengthened in subsequent years:

• In 2012, Congress reaffirmed U.S. policy to preserve Israel’s military edge.
• In 2014, legislation was established requiring assessments on how any arms sale to Middle Eastern countries would impact Israel’s military capabilities.

Congressional Oversight

Galbou highlights that American arms exports necessitate congressional approval. During committee discussions, members scrutinize deal specifics to ensure compliance with QME. An example is the 2020 arms agreement with the United Arab Emirates, which included a $23 billion package for 50 F-35s. Congressional debates focused on QME, resulting in measures requiring President Trump to adhere to its principles.

Implications of the Current Deal

The decision to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia represents a potential breach of the QME principle, raising questions about the U.S.’s commitment to maintaining Israel’s military advantage. Galbou notes, “Trump’s arms deals might compromise Israel’s qualitative military edge.”

Looking forward, changes in the political landscape could impact the administration’s ability to navigate these sales. The upcoming midterm elections for Congress in November 2026 could result in a loss for Trump’s party, potentially shifting the dynamics of arms deal approvals.

Galbou concludes that Israel may need to explore alternative strategies to address its security concerns in a changing regional environment. “The erosion of QME necessitates a reassessment of the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security and existence, and Israel must consider innovative ways to secure compensatory measures.”

In summary, as the U.S. moves forward with arms sales to Saudi Arabia, the implications for Israel’s military status in the region remain significant and complex, underscoring the delicate balance of power in Middle Eastern geopolitics.