US President Donald Trump says the F-35s that the US plans to sell to Saudi Arabia will be “pretty similar” to the ones that Washington provides to Israel.
Trump makes the comments alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office, in response to a question about how he plans to ensure Israel’s qualitative military edge by selling the same fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
Trump tells reporters that both Saudi Arabia and Israel are great allies.
“I know [Israel would] like you to get planes of reduced caliber. I don’t think that makes you too happy,” Trump quips to MBS.
“As far as I’m concerned, I think they are both at a level where they should get top of the line,” Trump adds. “We’re going to have a deal. They’re going to purchase F-35s.”
Asked about reports that Israel asked to condition the F-35 sale on Saudi Arabia agreeing to normalize ties with Israel, Trump somewhat dodges the question.
“Israel is aware, and they’re going to be very happy,” he says.
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