In the aftermath of a superficial “peace treaty” between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, the Trump Administration has agreed to sell 50 F-35 fighters to the UAE for more than $10 billion, Politico reports.
While the UAE and Israel have never engaged in hostilities and the two nations have had informal relations for decades, the Trump Administration has touted the agreement as a major step to achieving Middle East peace.
The sales of F-35s to the UAE, however, has raised questions about the security of Israel, which also has agreed to buy 50 of the advanced fighters. US defense pacts with Israel commit the US to sell Israel equipment to maintain a military advantage in the region.
Israel, however, has acceded to the sale providing that the United States sells Israel more US-made advanced weapons, thereby creating a sort of arms race for nations buying US weapons.
The deal must be approved by Congress before it can go through, and that is not a certainty.
“As we consider these risks, we must ensure that American national security and foreign policy priorities are at the forefront of our considerations,” the House Foreign Affairs Chair, New York Democrat Eliot Engel, said. “In the coming days, I invite members of Congress who share my concerns to join me in introducing legislation to ensure that the sale of these types of weapons adhere to our most important national security goals.”