20.11.2025 23:00
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that he received assurances from the U.S. administration regarding the preservation of Tel Aviv's "qualitative advantage" in relation to the sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia. Additionally, in a significant admission, Netanyahu stated, "The provision of F-35s to Turkey is not something that will happen anytime soon. Our stance on this issue is even more stringent than our position against the sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia. This situation would disrupt the balance of power in the Middle East and put us in danger."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke about regional issues, including the sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia, in an interview with a Telegram channel named Abu Ali Express.
"WE RECEIVED ASSURANCES FROM THE U.S. THAT ISRAEL'S 'QUALITATIVE ADVANTAGE' WILL BE MAINTAINED" Netanyahu stated, "They did not consult us before the sale of the F-35s, but when the sale took place, I spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and made sure. (Saudi Crown Prince) Mohammed Bin Salman did not get everything he wanted from (U.S. President Donald Trump)."
Netanyahu expressed that he carries a 'cautious optimism' regarding normalization with Saudi Arabia, but asserted that they would not allow the establishment of a Palestinian state. The Israeli Prime Minister also claimed that they received assurances from the U.S. that Tel Aviv's "qualitative advantage" would be maintained.
U.S. President Donald Trump approved the deal on November 19, which includes the sale of F-35s and 300 tanks to Saudi Arabia for future delivery.
CONFESSING FEAR OF TURKEY: IF THEY GET THE F-35s, THE BALANCE OF POWER WILL BE DISTURBED On the other hand, Netanyahu also stated that he does not believe the U.S. will give F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, claiming, "Even if it were to happen, I know it is a very distant possibility." He mentioned that Saudi Arabia is not in conflict with Israel, but if it concerns Turkey, they would further harden their stance regarding the sale of F-35s.
Netanyahu stated, "Any potential decision risks our qualitative military superiority that the U.S. has committed to protect," adding, "In any case, our position is clear; I have expressed this as clearly as possible; such a procurement puts us in danger in every respect."
NEGOTIATIONS FOR A SECURITY AGREEMENT WITH SYRIA Netanyahu also touched on the negotiations for a security agreement with Syria, saying, "Syria has as much, if not more, interest in reaching a security agreement with us as Israel does."
Zohran Mamdani CHALLENGE TO MAMDANI: I WILL STILL COME TO NEW YORK Referring to the announcement by Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani, who won the New York City mayoral election, that the International Criminal Court (ICC) would execute a warrant for his arrest, Netanyahu stated, "Even if Zohran Mamdani threatens to arrest me, I will still come to New York."