Post by : Rameen Ariff

Israel remains confident in its military dominance in the Middle East, despite the US's recent announcement to provide F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. This assertion was made by an Israeli government representative on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

Currently, Israel is the sole operator of the F-35—one of the world's most sophisticated aircraft—within the Middle East. The US is committed to maintaining Israel's "qualitative military edge" in the region, ensuring it possesses superior military technologies compared to nearby nations.

According to government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian, “The longstanding agreement between the United States and Israel guarantees that Israel keeps its qualitative advantage in defense. This principle has prevailed in the past, remains valid today, and will continue into the future.” This was Israel's first official stance on the matter following the announcement of F-35 sales to Saudi Arabia.

Earlier this week, the US disclosed plans to equip Saudi Arabia with F-35 jets. While Saudi Arabia does not formally acknowledge Israel, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed a desire to formalize relations with Israel alongside a clear pathway for a two-state solution for Palestinians during his Washington visit.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes Palestinian statehood strongly. US officials clarified that the F-35s destined for Saudi Arabia will lack some advanced features present in Israel's aircraft, such as sophisticated weaponry and electronic warfare systems, ensuring Israel's continued military preeminence.

This situation underscores the ongoing strategic dynamics in the Middle East, with Israel determined to stay ahead in both technology and defense, even as the US forms new military alliances in the region.

#Global