Overview
- President Trump told reporters he is considering a weapons package that could include F-35 fighter jets for Saudi Arabia.
- A U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency assessment, as reported, warns that a transfer could expose F-35 technology to China through espionage or security ties to Riyadh.
- Two Israeli officials say Israel would accept a sale only if it is tied to full Saudi normalization of relations with Israel.
- Negotiators have discussed a package reportedly covering 48 jets worth billions of dollars ahead of the Trump–Mohammed bin Salman meeting at the White House next week.
- U.S. officials say they hope for movement on normalization during the visit but acknowledge wide gaps remain between Saudi and Israeli positions.