Tel Aviv, Israel – The Jerusalem Post reported that the United States’ plan to sell up to 45 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia could constitute a strategic shift in the regional balance of power, particularly in the face of Iranian influence.
According to an analysis published in the newspaper on Saturday, December 5, estimates indicate that Riyadh will need at least six years before receiving the first batch of aircraft, possibly a less advanced version than those possessed by Israel. This gives Tel Aviv time to maintain its qualitative military edge in the region.
Conditional approval from Israel
On November 16, US President Donald Trump announced his administration’s approval of the sale of these advanced fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Axios reported on November 15 that Israel did not oppose the deal but linked its implementation to the normalization of relations between Riyadh and Tel Aviv.
Dimensions that go beyond weaponry
Observers believe the significance of the deal extends beyond the military sphere, reaching into the formation of a regional alliance aimed at countering the Islamic Republic’s influence in the region. According to the newspaper’s analysis, Israel and Saudi Arabia have shared the goal of “containing Iran” for years. The F-35 deal could pave the way for elevating this alignment from tacit cooperation to a formal security partnership.
The analysis suggests that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is seeking to modernize the Saudi economy. This makes Israeli technology and security potentially important elements in this process, which could negatively impact Iran’s position in regional dynamics.
Political challenges
Conversely, the report points out that any Saudi-Israeli cooperation will remain contingent on sensitive political developments, particularly those related to the Palestinian issue—files that Riyadh cannot ignore.
Axios also reported, citing sources, that the last meeting between Trump and Mohammed bin Salman at the White House in December was marked by tensions behind closed doors regarding the normalization issue, despite the publicly presented friendly atmosphere.
Managing potential risks
Despite concerns about future risks—including a possible change in the power structure within Saudi Arabia or weapons falling into the hands of extremists—the analysis concludes that these risks are “manageable and not very different from the current situation.”
Strategic options for Israel
The Jerusalem Post analysis concludes that Israel now faces two strategic choices: either to continue its solitary confrontation with Iran, or to cautiously move toward rapprochement with Saudi Arabia. This could lead to a new regional alliance capable of curbing Iranian influence.
The analysis concludes by saying: “The real danger to Israel is continuing with previous policies, not a thoughtful approach to Riyadh.”
