Saudis Want F-35s? Israel Demands 'Normalization' First
The mainstream media breathlessly announces Trump's intention to sell advanced F-35s to Saudi Arabia, noting it would make the kingdom the 'first country in the Middle East other than Israel' to get them. Axios highlights Israel's demand that this 'normalization' with them be a condition. (Because, of course, no arms deal is complete without a side of Israeli demands.) What's missing from the
narrative? The U.S. has maintained Israel's 'Qualitative Military Edge' (QME) as codified into law in 2008, yet here we are, ready to arm a major regional player with F-35s, potentially undermining that very QME. One might wonder if the concern for QME conveniently fades when a multi-billion dollar arms contract with Saudi Arabia, a country with its own human rights record, is on the table. The
official cited said giving F-35s without normalization would be 'a mistake and counterproductive.' Who knew U.S. foreign policy was supposed to act solely as a leverage tool for Israeli diplomatic gains? It's almost as if the 'strategic alliance' with Saudi Arabia is less about regional stability and more about weapons manufacturers’ quarterly earnings.