19 August 2020

Israel rejects UAE F-35 buy part of peace agreement

by Gareth Jennings

Israel has strongly rejected the notion that its historic peace agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) includes any reference to lifting restrictions on arms sales to the Gulf state in general, and on the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) in particular.

With the F-35 providing the IAF’s qualitative military edge, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opposed the sale to any country in the Middle East, including Arab countries that have peace agreements with the State of Israel. (Israeli Air Force)

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) issued its statement on 18 August, refuting claims circulating in the media and elsewhere that the deal with the UAE announced five days prior included the sale of any weapons that are currently restricted due to Washington’s long-standing pledge to maintain Israel’s military qualitative edge.

“The peace agreement with the United Arab Emirates does not include any reference to arms sales, and the US has made it clear that it will always take strict care to maintain Israel's qualitative edge”, the PMO said. “From the outset, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opposed the sale of F-35s and other advanced weaponry to any country in the Middle East, including Arab countries that have peace agreements with the State of Israel.

Israel has strongly rejected the notion that its historic peace agreement with the United Arab Emira...

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