Former Shin Bet chief: Israel working to lower technology level in F-35 jets to UAE

[Test7]

F-35 deal caused controversy in Israel over fears it'll reduce the country's qualitative military edge in ME

The US will likely go ahead with the sale of F-35 fighter jets to the UAE and Israel can live with such a deal, former Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief Yaakov Peri told i24NEWS on Wednesday.
"The deal will probably happen. But Israel is working on lowering the technological level of the planes that will be sold to the UAE. I think Israel can live with the UAE having those jets," Peri said.


The potential F-35 deal between the US and the UAE has caused a lot of controversy in Israel, with lawmakers and defense officials voicing concern it will lower Israel's qualitative military edge in the Middle East.

But others, including Israeli Minister of Energy Yuval Steinitz, have downplayed the threat of Abu Dhabi acquiring the F-35 stealth fighter jets. Peri believes that the US will make sure that Israel keeps its military edge.

"There is a guarantee from the US and I believe them. We should be worried but not too worried. I think every US President will push for this deal to happen in order to create jobs in the defense industry," Peri said.

The historic agreement between the UAE and Israel has raised the question about other Arab nations following suit. Both US President Donald Trump's Senior Advisor Jared Kushner and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have said they expect other countries in the region to normalize ties with Israel.

"I think that countries like Bahrain, Oman and Sudan can easily follow the UAE and sign deals with Israel. I don’t think Saudi Arabia will rush to sign an agreement with Israel but they will support it," Peri said.

i24NEWS

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[TR_123456]

So,the UAE is gettingF-35's.
Unreal.