Trump Says He Will Approve Sale of F-35 Jets to Saudi Arabia, Prompting Israeli Defense Concerns

President Donald Trump said Monday he intends to approve the sale of U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, just one day before he is set to host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Washington. “They want to buy. They are a great ally. We will be doing that. We will be selling them F-35s,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

The announcement immediately drew attention in Israel, where defense officials have long viewed the region’s most advanced stealth fighter jets as central to its qualitative military edge in the Middle East. The sale, if completed, would represent a major shift in regional capabilities.

The potential multibillion-dollar deal has already cleared a key Pentagon review, after Saudi Arabia made a direct appeal to Trump earlier this year. Washington traditionally approves such aircraft primarily for formal military allies such as NATO members or Japan, with Israel the only Middle Eastern country currently operating the platform.

Reports indicate the Saudis intend to purchase 48 jets in the initial phase, with the number expected to increase later. Saudi Arabia remains the largest customer for U.S. weapons and has sought the F-35 for years as it upgrades its air force to counter regional threats, especially Iran.

Ynet reported that on Sunday, the IDF General Staff submitted a professional position paper from the Air Force to the political echelon, explicitly opposing the sale. In the document, the Air Force warned that Israel’s aerial superiority could erode if additional regional states acquire the advanced stealth fighter or other fifth-generation jets. The document highlighted Israel’s unique advantage stemming from the aircraft’s detection, processing, and networked capabilities.

The position paper also outlined concerns regarding production timelines. The IDF warned that a major U.S.-Saudi deal could occupy production lines, delay Israel’s future deliveries, and hinder the Air Force’s renewal plans. Israel is already committed to procuring a fourth F-35 squadron and upgraded F-15 fighter jets, intended to replace aging aircrafts. The IDF Spokesperson said, “The IDF presented its position on the matter to the political echelon.”

The assessment in the document also noted the long-term nature of the development. Even if the deal moves quickly, the first aircraft would not arrive in Saudi Arabia before 2031 at the earliest. After delivery, it would take an additional year or two before Saudi squadrons reach full operational capability. Israeli officials see the issue as a long-term challenge rather than an immediate threat.

Despite the concern, Israel maintains significant advantages that will help preserve its technological and aerial edge even after Saudi F-35 squadrons enter service. Israel has operated the F-35I “Adir” since 2016 and has built several squadrons with extensive operational experience.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to meet Trump at the White House on Tuesday, with the F-35 deal, a U.S.-Saudi security agreement, and potential normalization with Israel on the agenda. Congress would still need to review the sale and could block it.