Israel Maintains "Military Edge" Despite US-Saudi F-35 Jet Deal, Officials Confirm

Saudi Arabia has not officially recognized Israel as a state.

From Tel Aviv, an Israeli government spokesperson affirmed on Thursday that Israel expects to maintain its access to more sophisticated American weaponry, addressing inquiries about Washington's intention to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

Israel currently stands as the sole Middle Eastern nation operating the F-35, considered one of the world's most technologically advanced warplanes. American legislation ensures Israel maintains a "qualitative military edge" across the region.

"The United States and Israel share a long-established understanding that Israel preserves the qualitative advantage regarding its defense capabilities," spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian stated to reporters.

"This principle held true yesterday, remains valid today, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is confident it will continue tomorrow and beyond," she added.

These comments represent the first official response from the Israeli government regarding the Saudi arms deal, which President Donald Trump announced earlier this week.

While Saudi Arabia does not formally recognize Israel, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's effective ruler, expressed during his Washington visit this week that Saudi Arabia desires official relations with Israel but also seeks to ensure a clear pathway toward a two-state solution guaranteeing Palestinian independence.

Israel's Netanyahu strongly opposes Palestinian statehood.

American officials have indicated that the Saudi fighter jets will not feature the superior capabilities found in Israel's F-35 aircraft, which include advanced weapons systems and electronic warfare equipment.