Link to article: Israel expects to keep regional military edge despite planned sale of F-35s to Saudi | Reuters
Israel has stated it expects to maintain its regional military edge even if the United States proceeds with a planned sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. “The United States and Israel have a long-standing understanding, which is that Israel maintains the qualitative edge when it comes to its defense,” spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian told reporters. Saudi Arabia does not officially recognize the state of Israel. The kingdom wanted official ties with Israel but also wanted to ensure a path for a two-state solution with Palestinian independence. United States officials have said that the Saudi jets will not have superior features found in Israel F-35 fighters. The F-35 is one of the most advanced combat aircraft in the world. Currently, Israel is the only country in the Middle East that has F-35s.
This shows how there are shifting alliances within the region. The main actors are Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. The United States has the most influence as they are the ones supplying the F-35 fighter jets. It makes sense that they would leave Israel with the advantage. Israel has received economic and military benefits from the US since 1948. I am aware that Saudi Arabia is attempting to make their country more of a tourist attraction.
This could affect other countries in the region due to the fact that Saudi Arabia’s military is being heightened. There are continued tensions between Saudi Arabia and Israel because of the conflict in Palestine. The United States does not recognize Palestine as a sovereign state, and Saudi Arabia does not recognize Israel. The US is thinking about their military interests, and I don’t think that this will strain the relationship it has with Israel.
This article connects to the IB Global Politics concepts and themes of power, sovereignty, and interdependence. In relation to interdependence, Israel and the United States have a mutual reliance on each other. The main focus is economic and military and reliance. The United States is using hard power by providing the country with fighter aircraft. The article also discusses how Saudi Arabia does not recognize the state of Israel, which challenges the country’s sovereignty.