Israel seeks US weapons package as compensation for Saudi F-35 sale
Israel plans to request additional US arms from the Trump administration as compensation after Washington approved a potential F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia.
Israeli officials are preparing to petition the Trump administration for a “compensation” package of US weapons after the State Department cleared a prospective $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 Lightning II jets to Saudi Arabia. The requested items reportedly extend beyond fighter aircraft to include space-based weapons, interceptor planes, and bunker-busting munitions capable of operating deep underground. Washington’s approval of the Saudi deal, which still requires congressional consent, would give Riyadh the first Arab fleet of F-35s, while Israel remains the sole Middle Eastern operator.
The request reflects concerns that the sale could erode Israel’s qualitative military edge, a matter under review by the Trump administration. Saudi Defence Minister Khaled bin Salman has made multiple trips to the United States this summer, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman previously fast-tracked the deal during a White House visit. The backdrop includes ongoing Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory and the broader conflict in Yemen.
Why it matters
The request could reshape US arms allocations in the Middle East and affect Israel's military advantage.
How this story developed
- Sep 15 Trump administration moves ahead with $2.8 billion arms package for Israel
- Sep 16 The package details have been informally shared with congressional oversight panels.
- Sep 17 U.S. intelligence officials warn that the planned sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia may enable China to obtain classified radar and intelligence systems.
- Sep 17 Washington has moved from earlier concerns to signaling support for the Saudi F‑35 package.
- Sep 18 State Department formally informed Congress of the intended sale.
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