Washington, DC, November 19 - In a stark escalation of regional tensions, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has issued a formal warning against the United States' proposed sale of advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, asserting that the deal could fundamentally erode Israel's hard-won air superiority in the Middle East. This position, outlined in a detailed Air Force document delivered to Israeli political leaders on November 17, 2025, underscores the Jewish state's exclusive reliance on the F-35I Adir variant for maintaining its qualitative military edge (QME). With over 75 customized aircraft already integrated into its arsenal, Israel views the F-35 as a cornerstone of its aerial dominance, enabling undetected deep-strike missions against threats from Iran to Hezbollah strongholds. The IDF's objections highlight fears that Riyadh's acquisition of identical platforms would neutralize these asymmetric advantages, potentially shifting the balance of power in an already volatile theater.
The F-35 Lightning II, renowned for its stealth capabilities, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare prowess, has been a game-changer for the Israeli Air Force since its first delivery in 2016. Israel's modifications, tailored software for enhanced intelligence gathering and seamless integration with domestic systems like the Iron Dome, allow pilots to conduct long-range operations with unparalleled survivability and precision. According to the IDF paper, this exclusivity underpins operations such as the recent "Rising Lion" strikes, where Adir jets penetrated hostile airspace without detection. Granting Saudi Arabia access to the same technology, even with U.S. safeguards, risks diluting these edges, as shared platforms could facilitate adversarial tactics or intelligence sharing in unforeseen alliances. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir echoed these concerns, emphasizing that "we must preserve our superiority" amid outreach to potential partners like Riyadh.
Complicating matters is U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement on November 18, 2025, confirming Washington's intent to proceed with the multibillion-dollar sale during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's White House visit. Trump framed the transaction as a boon for broader normalization efforts between Israel and Arab states, potentially accelerating Abraham Accords-style diplomacy. Yet, this move clashes with longstanding U.S. commitments under the Naval Vessel Transfer Act, which mandates Israel's QME over regional adversaries. American defense officials have privately expressed qualms about technology leakage to China, given Riyadh's growing Beijing ties, while Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer has lobbied counterparts in Washington to reconsider. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich remains optimistic, declaring confidence in Israel's enduring edge "with God's help," but the rift exposes fractures in the U.S.-Israel alliance.
As negotiations intensify, the Saudi F-35 sale debate encapsulates broader anxieties over Middle East air power dynamics. For Israel, relinquishing its monopoly on fifth-generation fighters isn't merely tactical; it's existential, demanding vigilant diplomacy to safeguard skies that have long been its shield. With delivery timelines stretching seven years, there's a window for recalibration, but the IDF's clarion call serves as a reminder: in the shadows of stealth, superiority is never assured.