Qatar is in negotiations with the United States to purchase F-35 stealth fighter jets, adding to Israeli concerns about maintaining its military edge as several Middle Eastern countries pursue the advanced aircraft, Hebrew media reported on Monday.
The discussions between Qatar and Washington represent a renewed push after Doha’s request for the jets stalled five years ago, according to Israel’s Channel 12 News. Unlike previous attempts, current talks appear more substantive, raising alarm in Jerusalem.
Israel is growing increasingly concerned as several regional powers simultaneously pursue American military hardware. Saudi Arabia is pushing ahead with an F‑35 purchase as part of an emerging U.S.–Saudi defense pact, after President Donald Trump said Washington “will be selling F‑35s” to the kingdom. The United Arab Emirates may seek to revive a previously suspended F-35 purchase. Turkey is also exploring acquisition possibilities.
The Israeli defense establishment warns these combined sales could erode the air force’s qualitative military advantage, which depends on technological superiority and operational freedom across the Middle East.
In response, Israel has begun drafting a compensation package that includes two new fighter squadrons—one F-35 unit and one F-15IA squadron, specially adapted for Israeli use—along with substantial ammunition supplies, according to the report.
Israeli officials face pressure to act quickly, according to Channel 12, as delays could push the country back in American manufacturers’ production schedules. Defense sources believe securing enhanced capabilities is critical to maintaining Israel’s military superiority despite the narrowing window for negotiations with the Trump administration while it is reshaping regional arms sales.
