Overview
- Trump told reporters he is considering a Saudi request to buy F-35s as he prepares to host Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
- Israeli officials say they could accept a sale only if Riyadh fully normalizes ties with Israel and if safeguards preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge.
- A Defense Intelligence Agency assessment reported by U.S. media warns the jets’ sensitive technology could be exposed to China through Saudi channels.
- Saudi Arabia has sought roughly 48 aircraft, while maintaining that any normalization with Israel requires a credible, time‑bound path to Palestinian statehood.
- Administration officials indicate no F-35 approval is expected this week, though talks will address a broader defense pact and potential economic agreements.