Israel up in arms as US, Qatar renew talks for sale of advanced F-35 jets – report |
Israel is increasingly concerned over renewed US discussions with Qatar regarding the possible sale of F-35 fighter jets, Channel 12 news reported Monday, as Washington weighs major arms deals across the Middle East that could affect Israel’s qualitative military edge.
According to the report, Doha has reopened a request to purchase the stealth aircraft, after a similar bid was rejected five years ago. This time, however, contacts between Qatari and US officials are said to already be underway.
Israeli officials are reportedly also closely watching parallel developments, including an emerging US-Saudi defense deal, the possibility of renewed sales to the United Arab Emirates, and even potential future sales to Turkey.
According to the report, Israel fears that a wave of advanced US arms sales in the region could erode the Israeli Air Force’s qualitative military edge. In response, Israel’s defense establishment is........