Trump approves Saudi F-35 sale despite Israeli concerns
Trump told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House that the jets will be "pretty similar" to those sold to Israel, noting that both countries are "great" US allies.
"I know they'd like you to get planes of reduced caliber. I don't think that makes you too happy," Trump said.
"They've been a great ally. Israel's been a great ally, and we're looking at that exactly right now. But as far as I'm concerned, I think they are both at a level where they should get top of the line," he added.
The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) on Monday criticized the plan, warning it "would substantially impair Israel's qualitative military edge and would put extremely sensitive American technology within reach of regimes that are hostile to US interests."
ZOA cited 22 US Code § 2776(h), which obligates Washington to ensure Israel can confront regional threats with minimal losses. They said approving Saudi Arabia’s request for 48 F-35s—reportedly exceeding Israel's current fleet—would directly violate this legal requirement.
While previous US administrations have explored selling advanced weapons to Gulf states, transfers have typically been limited to ensure Israel maintains a decisive military advantage.
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