Intel: Trump administration notifies Congress of proposed F-35 sale to UAE

Jared Szuba

IN FLIGHT, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 08: An F-35B combat aircraft from the United States Marine Corp refuels from an RAF Voyager aircraft over the North Sea on October 08, 2020 in flight, above Scotland. The first air-to-air refuelling of F-35Bs from the newly-formed Carrier Strike Group took place as part of Operation Joint Warrior. Flying from HMS Queen Elizabeth, the RAF, RN and USMC Pilots (USofA) were demonstrating the operational capabilities of NATO and the UK for current and future threats. Operation Joint — An F-35B combat aircraft from the United States Marine Corps refuels from an RAF Voyager aircraft over the North Sea on Oct. 8, 2020 in flight, above Scotland. — Leon Neal/Getty Images

The administration of President Donald Trump has formally notified Congress of a proposed sale of the F-35 combat aircraft to the United Arab Emirates.

The announcement by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY) comes after US Defense Secretary Mark Esper met in Israel with Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Esper’s trip marked his third meeting with Gantz in just over a month.

Last week in Washington, Esper and Gantz signed a joint declaration that the Israeli defense chief said would cement Israel’s regional military advantage “for decades to come.” Details of the agreement were not made public.

Amid the discussions, Netanyahu and Gantz’ offices announced last week that the Israeli government would not oppose certain US weapons sales to the UAE. A US official confirmed yesterday that the announcement was in reference to the F-35.

Intel: Trump administration notifies Congress of proposed F-35 sale to UAE

Lawmakers have introduced legislation intended to ensure the sale does not eclipse Israel's regional military edge.

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