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Gantz, Netanyahu split again over US F-35 sale to UAE

Defense Minister Benny Gantz accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of withholding knowledge of US-Emirates negotiations on the sale of F-35 stealth jets.
IN FLIGHT, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 08: An F-35B combat aircraft from the Royal Air Force refuels from an RAF Voyager aircraft over the North Sea on October 08, 2020 in flight, above Scotland. The first air-to-air refuelling of F-35Bs from the newly-formed Carrier Strike Group took place as part of Operation Joint Warrior. Flying from HMS Queen Elizabeth, the RAF, RN and USMC Pilots (USofA) were demonstrating the operational capabilities of NATO and the UK for current and future threats. Operation Joint Warrior t

Did Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu know last August that the United States wanted to sell F-35 jets to the United Arab Emirates? Shortly after the Aug. 13 announcement by President Donald Trump about Israel and the Emirates establishing diplomatic ties, rumors surfaced in the press over US readiness to sell the Emirates the sophisticated aircraft. Israel has long objected to any such sale, arguing it would harm its qualitative military edge in the region. But on Aug. 19, Trump told reporters that the Emiratis had expressed interest in buying “quite a few” of the stealth fighter jets, and noted that a sale was “under review” amid the new dynamic between Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi.

The statement set in motion a dispute between Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz. Gantz sent a letter to Netanyahu chastising him for reaching out behind his back to the IDF air force commander before the deal with the Emirates was concluded, to inquire into the country’s policy regarding Arab neighbors acquiring F-35 jets. Netanyahu rejected the claim and accusations that he knew of or gave his approval for an American-Emirates deal.

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