Israeli officials are growing more concerned regarding Qatar’s renewed interest in a potential F-35 Lightning II acquisition deal with the United States. According to a Channel 12 news report, Washington appears to be weighing the possible arms deal. Back in 2020, Doha reached the letter-of-request stage in the US foreign military sales procedure, but ultimately did not complete the process.

Israel remains focused on retaining its qualitative military edge (QME) over its hostile neighbors, and thus, the country wants to ensure that no other Middle Eastern nation flies advanced fifth-generation fighter jets. For more than half a century, the United States has worked to ensure Israel’s QME in the region. However, it appears Washington is moving ahead with potential defense deals with Qatar, Saudi........

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