In September, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Israel signed the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between the Arab countries and Israel. Sudan followed suit soon after. The peace deals sparked a new vision for the region, leaving Middle East watchers optimistic for what is to come. Shortly after signing the deals, the U.S. and Israel began formalizing agreements to sell F-35 fighter jets to the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and potentially Qatar. These sales were a major incentive for the UAE, Bahrain, and Sudan to formalize relations with Israel and could also encourage other Arab nations to do the same. However, the F35 sales are only a temporary solution to geopolitical tensions and could undermine Israel’s security and the region’s general stability. Going forward, the U.S. must establish a long-term strategy to support and maintain peace in the Middle East.
Shortly after the Abraham Accords were signed, numerous news reports revealed the UAE was attempting to purchase F-35 fighter jets and long-range armed drones from the U.S. At first, Israel denied reports it has approved the purchases and has expressed concerns around such an agreement. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, however, stated during a television interview that he would be comfortable selling the jets to the UAE. Recently, however, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finally provided consent for the sales to take place.
Bahrain and Sudan also expressed interest in purchasing the warplanes from the U.S. Qatar is seeking to purchase the fighter jets as well, but this is something Israel is opposed to. Now, as more Arab nations purchase military technology in return for establishing ties with Israel, the Middle East could soon see an arms race.
The strategy of using F-35 fighter jets to broker peace and diplomatic relations is a tenuous one. As some U.S. lawmakers have outlined, the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Middle Eastern nations could hinder stability in the region and undermine the positive impacts of normalization efforts. In particular, the sale of the warplanes to countries such as the UAE could result in the weapons falling under the control of U.S. enemies, including Russia, China, and Iran, and subsequently fueling conflict in the Middle East.
The introduction of advanced military technology into the Arab world could also erode Israel’s military advantage in the region. Currently, Israel is one step ahead of its neighbors as it possesses superior military technology and equipment to protect its existence. By making similar sales to Israel’s neighbors, the U.S. is undermining Israel’s regional advantage. It is also increasing the likelihood of conflict among Israel and its neighbors, as it encourages crowded skies.
Further, now that both the UAE, Bahrain, and Sudan are in talks to obtain the warplanes from the U.S., as a reward for signing the Abraham Accords, other Arab nations could approach future peace deals with similar expectations. If these expectations are not met, it could stall future normalization efforts. The sale of F-35 fighter jets to Arab nations is serving as a useful short-term solution for brokering peace. However, it should not replace a long-term solution that can create sustained peace and stability. A long-term solution should focus on investment in sectors such as energy, education, and technology, which can deepen cooperation between nations and promote positive economic and social development in the region.
Today, the U.S. plays an important role as a peace mediator in the Middle East, and the Abraham Accords are reflective of its positive efforts in this regard. However, the F-35 diplomacy strategy that the U.S. has adopted in tandem with its efforts to encourage Arab nations to normalize relations with Israel is a risky and short-term solution. Such a diplomatic strategy could fuel further conflict, undercut normalization efforts, and undermine Israel’s strategic advantage in the already tumultuous region. As we advance, the U.S. must establish and implement a long-term strategy for peace and stability in the Middle East, which does not rely on the sale of military equipment or weaponry.
