President Donald Trump has announced the United States will sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a decision that is sparking controversy over its potential to disrupt the military balance in the Middle East and raise human rights concerns.
During a White House meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on November 18, 2025, Trump confirmed the sale, describing Saudi Arabia as a “great ally.” The move comes as part of broader discussions on defense cooperation, but it marks a significant departure from previous administrations’ cautious approach to arms sales in the region. Trump emphasized the economic benefits, while the crown prince’s visit included talks on increasing Saudi investment in the U.S. to $1 trillion, highlighting the strategic partnership between the two nations.
The controversy stems from the risk to Israel’s qualitative military edge, a long-standing U.S. policy designed to ensure Israel’s security superiority. Israeli officials have expressed deep concern, noting that the F-35 sale could erode this advantage and alter regional dynamics, as Israel has been the sole operator of these advanced jets in the Middle East. An Israeli security source told CNN that it is “very concerning” and not good for Israel, reflecting fears that the deal could weaken their defensive capabilities against potential threats.
Originally, the F-35 deal was tied to Saudi normalization of relations with Israel, a key foreign policy goal for Trump. However, the collapse of normalization talks due to the Gaza war and political issues in Israel led the administration to proceed with the arms sale independently. Multiple Saudi sources confirmed to CNN that the two issues were delinked, with Trump opting to advance the sale without waiting for progress on diplomatic ties, a shift that experts say accelerates Riyadh’s military modernization.
Experts highlight several challenges, including the need for U.S. government review and Congressional approval to address concerns about technology transfer and Saudi cooperation with China. Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro emphasized that Saudi commitments to limit military ties with China are crucial for the deal to align with U.S. security interests. Additionally, the sale must comply with laws maintaining Israel’s qualitative edge, but Trump’s affinity for Gulf countries and focus on arms sales as an economic issue could shortcut oversight processes.
Trump’s announcement was accompanied by his defense of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, whom Trump called “extremely controversial” and stated that the crown prince “knew nothing” about it. This has added to the criticism, with human rights advocates condemning the administration’s stance and raising questions about the moral implications of bolstering a regime accused of human rights abuses. Khashoggi’s widow called for an apology and compensation, underscoring the ongoing ethical debates surrounding U.S.-Saudi relations.
The deal is expected to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s regional influence and could have ripple effects on U.S. relations with other allies, such as the United Arab Emirates, which had a similar F-35 deal fail under the Biden administration. As the sale moves through the review process, it will likely face scrutiny and could shape future diplomatic and security strategies in the Middle East, potentially influencing conflicts and normalization efforts. The outcome may redefine America’s role in the region, balancing strategic interests against regional stability and alliance commitments.
