Israel Up In Arms As US, Qatar Renew Talks For Sale Of Advanced F-35 Jets: Report

According to a report by The Times of Israel, Israel has expressed growing concern over renewed discussions between the United States and Qatar regarding the possible sale of advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets.

The developments come as Washington considers a series of major arms deals across the Middle East, moves that Israeli officials fear could affect Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region.

The report says Doha has reopened its request to purchase the fifth-generation aircraft, reviving a bid that was rejected around five years ago.

Unlike the earlier attempt, current contacts between Qatari and US officials are said to be already underway, signaling a more advanced stage of engagement. Israeli officials are reportedly monitoring the talks closely amid wider regional developments involving US defense sales.

Channel 12 notes that Israel is also watching parallel processes that could further reshape the regional military balance.

These include an emerging defense agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia, the possibility of renewed arms sales to the United Arab Emirates, and potential future sales to Turkey.

Together, these developments are seen in Jerusalem as part of a broader wave of advanced US arms sales in the Middle East.

According to the report, Israel fears that the spread of cutting-edge American military platforms among regional actors could erode the Israeli Air Force’s long-standing qualitative military edge, a principle that has guided Israel’s defense planning for decades.

In response, Israel’s defense establishment is said to be preparing a package of requests to present to the US administration, aimed at securing compensatory capabilities.

These requests reportedly include the acquisition of two additional squadrons of advanced fighter jets. One would consist of more F-35 aircraft, while the other would involve F-15I fighter jets, a version customized to meet Israel’s specific operational requirements. The package is also said to include expanded access to advanced munitions and related weapons systems.

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