Link to article: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-874644
The United States has provided Israel with weaponry for decades, with aid increasing following the Yom Kippur War in 1973. For years, the two countries have maintained a consistent arms deal. Written into US Law is a guarantee that the United States will ensure Israel is able to maintain a military edge in the Middle East.
Recently the United States agreed to supply Saudi Arabia with F-35 warplanes, which has increased tensions between Israel and the Saudis. Saudi Arabia notoriously does not recognize the sovereignty of Israel, which undermines almost all relations between the two. Prior to the agreement made between the United States and Saudi Arabia, Israel was the only country in the Middle East to operate F-35s.
Israel is not supportive of the United States’ supplying of the Saudis, and maintains their position that they will maintain a “qualitative advantage.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he was not informed of the sale of the F-35s, but once it happened, he immediately called United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and made sure that Israel would continue to hold the higher ground in the comparative relationships.
Rubio allegedly confirmed Netanyahu’s request, and stated that, “Mohammad bin Salman did not receive everything he wanted out of the deal.” Netanyahu is also confident that the United States will not look to supply Turkey with F-35 jets.
This conflict relates to the concepts of Legitimacy and Sovereignty in Global Politics, as Saudi Arabia’s refusal to recognize Israel’s sovereignty also undermines Israeli legitimacy among Saudi allies, as it is a dominant force in the region. If tensions associated with the US-Saudi deal persist, the United States may have to repeal its offering of weapons to the Israeli foe.
Saudi Arabia has previously attempted to create official ties with Israel, but Israel’s refusal to agree to a two-state solution with Palestine has disallowed the potential for an agreement to come to fruition.