Israel is expected to seek additional US military capabilities in response to Washington’s approval of a potential F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia, Israeli media reports. Walla says Israeli officials intend to ask the Trump administration for weapons systems Washington has previously declined to provide to Israel, framing the request as a “compensation” package.
According to the reporting, the requests extend beyond additional aircraft or stealth-related capabilities. Israel is said to seek access to classified US weapons development and production, including space-based weapons, interceptor-related development, and advanced munitions such as bunker-busting weapons and systems designed to operate deep underground. The reports also include potential requests for funding to support additional fighter squadrons, as well as access to autonomous strike systems and drone swarms.
The US State Department statement cited by outlets describes the proposed Saudi F-35 sale as supporting US foreign policy and national security objectives, and notes the sale package would include jets and related equipment, training, and logistics. Sources also note that while Saudi Arabia would become the first Arab operator of the F-35, Israel is expected to retain its qualitative military edge through experience and related integration of Israeli systems into its own F-35 variant. Some US defense and intelligence voices express concern about Saudi access to sensitive technology.
