Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is quietly working to block possible U.S. sales of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The effort is being carried out through private talks and discreet lobbying, not public criticism. Israeli officials believe that open opposition could harm relations with Washington and weaken Israel’s influence.
Israel’s main concern is preserving its qualitative military edge, a U.S. legal commitment to ensure Israel remains militarily stronger than other countries in the Middle East. Officials fear that F-35 sales to regional states could erode Israel’s air superiority and weaken its early-warning systems.
Netanyahu is deliberately avoiding a public confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump. Israeli officials acknowledge that Trump has been engaging closely with regional leaders seeking stronger defense ties with the United States. Because of this, Israel has chosen a cautious and quiet approach.
When it comes to Saudi Arabia, Israeli officials see the potential F-35 sale as a contained risk. U.S. authorities have reportedly assured Israel that any jets sold to Saudi Arabia would be downgraded. These aircraft would not include Israeli-developed systems or proprietary technologies. While these assurances reduce immediate concerns, Israeli defense officials warn that even downgraded jets could narrow Israel’s advantage over time, especially once they enter service.
Turkey Seen as the Greater Security Threat
The prospect of Turkey acquiring F-35 fighter jets has caused much deeper concern in Israel. Israeli officials view Turkey as the more urgent and serious risk, largely due to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s history of hostile rhetoric toward Israel.
Defense planners fear that Turkish-operated F-35s could undermine Israel’s air-defense and early-warning networks. The stealth capabilities of the aircraft could make detection more difficult, reducing Israel’s response time to potential threats.
Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing Russia’s S-400 air defense system. That decision was based on concerns that sensitive technology could be exposed. Despite this, Turkey could seek to return to the program if U.S. policy changes.
Israeli officials believe that Turkey’s return to the F-35 program would significantly affect the regional military balance. Because of this, Netanyahu has sought backing from U.S. officials who are skeptical of Ankara’s defense choices. This includes discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
After President Trump announced that the United States would proceed with F-35 sales to Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu said Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge in all weapons and military system sales in the Middle East.
Israel’s Unique F-35 Fleet and Quiet Diplomacy
Israel is currently the only country in the Middle East operating the F-35. Its air force has 45 aircraft in service, with 30 more on order. Israel flies a uniquely modified version known as the F-35I “Adir”.
This version includes Israeli-developed electronic warfare systems, command-and-control technologies, and locally produced weapons. These systems are not shared with other F-35 users, giving Israel capabilities beyond the standard aircraft.
Australia’s F-35 fleet reaches full combat readiness after two decades of development
To protect this advantage, Netanyahu held a closed-door meeting on December 1 in Jerusalem with senior executives from Lockheed Martin, the company that manufactures the F-35. Among those present was Frank A. St. John, the company’s Chief Operating Officer. The discussion focused on ways to preserve Israel’s military edge if other regional states acquire the jet.
Israeli officials are also watching Trump’s engagement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Erdogan. Both leaders are pressing for expanded defense ties with Washington.
Rather than challenging these efforts publicly, Israel has chosen a low-profile strategy. In a Hebrew-language interview with the Telegram channel Abu Ali Express, Netanyahu said U.S. officials had reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge.
Israeli defense officials continue to warn that the spread of advanced stealth aircraft in the region could gradually reduce Israel’s air superiority. Their focus remains on protecting existing capabilities and maintaining the current security balance without public confrontation.