Israeli “Approval” of F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia Only if Diplomatic Relations Are Normalized

Israel has said that it does not oppose the potential U.S. sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, but that any transfer must be linked to the formal normalization of relations between the two countries.

Two Israeli officials were quoted as saying by Axios and SavunmaSanayiST.com that the position had already been communicated to U.S. administrations. One official said, “We have informed the Trump administration that the F-35 procurement to Saudi Arabia should be contingent on Saudi Arabia normalizing its relations with Israel,” adding that it would be “wrong and counterproductive” for Washington to approve the sale without securing diplomatic gains.

A second official said the Israeli position on Saudi Arabia differs from its stance toward Turkey. “Contrary to our strong opposition to the supply of F-35s to Turkey, we are not so concerned about the supply of such weapons systems to Saudi Arabia if it is part of regional security cooperation, as is the case with the United Arab Emirates under the Abraham Accords.”

Israel currently remains the only state in the region operating F-35s. The U.S. is reported to be close to advancing a package that includes stealth aircraft and other systems for Saudi Arabia, an issue U.S. officials have addressed publicly. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to meet President Donald Trump at the White House on November 18, with F-35s, the U.S.–Saudi security agreement, and possible normalization with Israel expected on the agenda.

Israeli officials say any future deal with Saudi Arabia would require U.S. security guarantees similar to those negotiated when Israel approved the U.A.E.’ F-35 acquisition under the Abraham Accords in 2020. That process stalled after the Biden administration sought restrictions on aircraft use. Officials also note that Saudi Arabia’s proximity to Israel could shape requests such as refraining from basing the jets in the kingdom’s western regions.

Some reports stated that President Trump has signaled support for the sale. “We will be doing that. We will be selling F-35 jets,” he said before meeting the crown prince. “They’ve been a great ally.” Discussions are also expected to include defense and civilian nuclear cooperation.

At the White House on Tuesday, Trump said, “Tonight, I'm pleased to announce that we are taking our military cooperation to even greater heights by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally."

The White House meeting will be Prince Mohammed’s first visit since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. A U.S. intelligence assessment said the crown prince approved the operation, which he denies. Former President Joe Biden did not host him during his term but visited Saudi Arabia in 2022, saying he raised the murder during talks.

Some U.S. defense officials have expressed concern that transferring F-35s to Saudi Arabia could risk exposure of sensitive stealth technology, citing the kingdom’s ties with China. Israeli officials have also warned that such a sale could affect Israel’s qualitative military edge, a status protected under U.S. law.

During the upcoming talks, President Trump is expected to push for Saudi Arabia to sign the Abraham Accords. Saudi leaders have said normalization depends on a credible pathway to a Palestinian state — a condition rejected by the current Israeli government.