Trump Pitches F-35s to Saudis, Ignores 'Qualitative Edge'
President Trump casually declared a plan to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia, as Al-Monitor dutifully reported, framing it as a 'significant policy shift.' This shift, however, isn't just about 'altering the military balance.' It's a direct challenge to the US commitment to maintaining Israel's 'Qualitative Military Edge' (QME)—a long-standing legal requirement enshrined in US law. Congress,
particularly those recipients of significant AIPAC donations, usually performs legislative gymnastics to uphold this QME. Yet, suddenly, the prospect of top-tier US stealth fighters landing in Saudi Arabia seems to be met with selective amnesia. One might wonder where the usual outrage from the 'pro-Israel' lobby went. Perhaps the lucrative nature of arms dealing, even with nations accused of
human rights abuses like Saudi Arabia, trumps long-held policy whenever a quick dollar is on the table. The US has already provided Saudi Arabia with billions in weapons, fueling the war in Yemen, while simultaneously guaranteeing Israel security. The hypocrisy is as glaring as F-35 radar signature is not.