Protecting Israel’s Qualitative Edge: The Case Against F-35 Sales to Saudi Arabia

By Matthew Narh Tetteh

As of November 17, 2025, a critical debate is unfolding regarding a proposed U.S. sale of 48 F-35 stealth jets to Saudi Arabia, a deal that threatens Israel’s qualitative military edge (QME)—a cornerstone of its security and a long-standing pillar of U.S.-Israel relations. Israel, the only Middle Eastern nation currently operating the F-35, has invested heavily in enhancing the aircraft with proprietary technology, making it a unique asset in maintaining regional stability. This technological superiority is not just a military advantage; it is a deterrent against hostile actors, including Iran and its proxies, which continue to threaten both Israel and U.S. interests.

The potential sale, reportedly under consideration by the Trump administration as part of an Abraham Accords expansion, raises serious concerns. Saudi Arabia’s strategic partnerships with Russia and China could lead to the unintended transfer of Israeli and American technology to adversarial hands, as highlighted in a recent Pentagon intelligence report warning of Chinese acquisition risks. This would undermine decades of U.S. policy aimed at preserving Israel’s QME, a commitment enshrined in the 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding.

Israel has proven its reliability as a U.S. ally, effectively defending itself against simultaneous attacks from Iran and its proxies over the past year, a testament to the strength of its military edge. In contrast, the stability of the Saudi regime remains uncertain, with historical examples like the 9/11 attacks involving Saudi nationals underscoring the risks of advanced weaponry falling into unreliable hands. Conditioning the sale on full Saudi-Israeli diplomatic normalization, as Israel is now lobbying for, could mitigate some risks—but even then, the potential for technology leakage remains a grave concern.

The U.S. must prioritize its unwavering support for Israel, a democratic ally that enhances American technological dominance through collaboration. Approving this sale without ironclad safeguards would not only jeopardize Israel’s security but also weaken the strategic partnership that has long served as a bulwark against regional instability. The Trump administration should heed these warnings and stand firmly with Israel in preserving its military edge.