Israel Seeks US Weapons Compensation Over Saudi F-35 Sale as Washington Advances $24B Deal

The US State Department on September 17, 2026, notified Congress of a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, marking the first time an Arab state would receive the advanced stealth aircraft. Israeli officials, informed of the plans, confirmed to Hebrew outlet Walla that Tel Aviv intends to seek "compensation" from Washington in the form of advanced weapons systems previously withheld, joint development of classified programs, and expanded cooperation on Israeli systems like the Arrow 4 and Arrow 5 missile interceptors. Reports from The Jerusalem Post, VINnews, and Defense Express detail Israel's wishlist, including participation in space-based weapons development, autonomous strike systems, drone swarms, bunker-busting munitions, and funding for additional F-15 and F-35 squadrons to offset any perceived erosion of its qualitative military edge (QME). US officials have stated the sale will not alter the regional military balance and emphasized Saudi Arabia's role as a stabilizing force, though delivery of the first jets is not expected for approximately five years. Concerns raised in outlets like The Times of Israel and NBC News include risks of technology exposure to China via Saudi partnerships, echoing broader intelligence community cautions. Israel maintains its operational advantage stems from combat experience and integration of domestic systems into its F-35I Adir variant, while leveraging the QME legal requirement to negotiate offsets. The deal remains subject to a 30-day congressional review period.