Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to press US President Donald Trump over planned large-scale American arms sales to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, warning that such deals could seriously harm Israel’s qualitative military edge (QME).
According to American and Arab officials cited by Middle East Eye, the Trump administration is currently reviewing Israel’s QME amid concerns that major weapons sales to Gulf states could alter the regional military balance. Discussions on the issue have reportedly taken place in recent weeks.
Senior US military officials have held several classified meetings on Capitol Hill with members of Congress to discuss the potential defense deals. In parallel, a senior State Department official responsible for overseeing arms sales visited Israel last week, partly to address Israeli concerns.
An American official said the administration is likely preparing talking points ahead of the end of the year, as Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump. Netanyahu is expected to arrive in Florida on December 29.