The world has recently seen the peace agreement and normalization in diplomacy between UAE and Israel. Many scholars and officials argue that the reason why this agreement came into place is that it was simultaneously agreed with the U.S. selling advanced weapons to the UAE which consists of F-35 fighter jets and EA-18G electronic warfare planes.
The Arms sale raises many questions concerning national security in the Middle East region. Will this deal shift the military balance in the Middle East given that Israel has been supported heavily by the U.S. in the region? The United States has reaffirmed that it is fully committed to supporting Israel and maintaining its military advantage in the region. The U.S. has always been known to have a special relationship with Israel being its main seller of weaponry despite the many inhumane usages. Similarly, the UAE also has a special relationship with the U.S.
The reality behind the U.S. selling advanced weaponry to the UAE and supporting a peace agreement between Israel and UAE is to counter Iran. The Emiratis, like Israel’s, consider Iran an avowed enemy[1]. Further diplomatic relations between all three countries are considered from my point of view a win-win situation. Regardless, Trump’s administration is pushing to sell advanced weaponry to the Emirates, the deal might be difficult to pass by congress, but these steps are considered urgent in Washington because the white house strategist perceives that strengthening Israel will benefit him in the re-election process from evangelical Christian voters. Finally, next month, in October the United Nations embargo on arms sale to Iran is scheduled to expire, this deadline has been specified by the previous Obama administration[2]. However, the Trump administration is taking the hard line to remain in place. The arms deal is crucial to the Trump administration because most probably the Biden’s administration will halt the deal.
[1]Mark Mazzetti, “Netanyahu privately condoned U.S. plan to sell arms to U.A.E” Sept 3, 2020.
[2]Reuben F. Johnson “ The dangers presented by Russian and PRC weapons sales to Iran” Aug 4, 2020.
Thanks for your blog post, Fatema. There is definitely concern in Israel that the US selling advanced fighter aircraft tot he UAE could upset the military balance in the MIddle East. The US has always committed to help Israel maintain a qualitative edge so that it cannot be overwhelmed, should another war break out. Of coure, in this case, Israel and the UAE are in the process of normalizing relations. That said, I suspect that the aircraft sold to the UAE will NOT include all of the “bells and whistles” of what is sold to Israel. — Professor Wallerstein