The deal was supposed to reshape the Middle East.
Israel would normalize relations with Saudi Arabia, paving the way for ties with the wider Muslim world. In exchange, the Saudis would get a US security package that includes F-35 stealth fighter jets – fifth-generation aircraft that would cement Riyadh’s relationship with Washington as it opened a new chapter with Israel.
But, at least based on Trump’s public comments so far, only half of that package deal is likely to come to fruition. On Monday, President Donald Trump announced in the Oval Office that Saudi would be getting the fighter jets it has long coveted.
“We will be doing that. We will be selling F-35s,” Trump said as he called Saudi Arabia a “great ally.” Entirely missing from the statement was any mention of Israel.
The deal is likely to shift the balance of power in the region, strengthening Saudi Arabia as a Middle Eastern powerhouse and the first Arab nation to receive the most advanced American fighter jets. The sale still requires US government review and Congressional oversight, but the Trump administration can try to push those through over the next three years, potentially altering the military balance towards Riyadh, especially over any objections Israel may have.
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