Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Nov 22: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured him that American legislation will prevent Saudi Arabia from acquiring the most advanced F-35 warplanes, directly contradicting remarks made by former President Donald Trump.
In a widely circulated Hebrew-language interview on X, Netanyahu said Rubio “reiterated his commitment that the United States will continue to preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge in everything related to supplying weapons and military systems to countries in the Middle East.” Rubio reportedly assured Netanyahu that Israel’s advantage in F-35 aircraft supply would be maintained.
Netanyahu’s statement highlights Rubio as an advocate for Israel’s military superiority in the region, consistent with earlier diplomatic efforts. In April, reports suggested Netanyahu lobbied Rubio to prevent Turkey’s return to the F-35 programme after Ankara bought Russian S-400 missile systems.
Trump, in contrast, told Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Saudi Arabia and Israel would be treated as “equal partners” regarding the F-35. “You are asking me, is it the same? I think it’s going to be pretty similar… I know they [Israel] would like you to get planes of reduced calibre. I don’t think that makes you too happy… I think they [Saudi Arabia and Israel] are both at a level where they should get top of the line,” Trump said during an Oval Office meeting.
Israel’s Qualitative Edge (IQE) is a long-standing US policy dating back to the Cold War, ensuring Israeli military equipment remains superior to that of regional allies. Congress codified the IQE into law in 2008, mandating assessments of US arms sales to Arab states. The F-35 can be modified for radar and stealth features, with Israel gaining unique access to upgrade systems. The F-35I Adir, Israel’s variant, was modified to carry external fuel compartments without compromising stealth, enabling long-range operations, including Israel’s surprise attack on Iran in June.