https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/05/15/israels-concerns-grow-over-us-saudi-arms-deal/
The American president attempts to pull Saudi Arabia away from Chinese influence by selling advanced weapons and potentially F-35 aircraft, as the kingdom pledges to invest nearly a trillion dollars in the US economy.
While pursuing military reinforcement, the Saudis simultaneously employ their characteristically cautious diplomatic approach. They refrain from joining American operations against the Houthis and urge Washington not to endorse Israel's advocacy for strikes on Iranian soil to disrupt its nuclear program. Currently, the kingdom prioritizes building deterrence capabilities without heightening regional tensions, seeking an alliance with the United States that provides security guarantees without entangling Saudi Arabia in direct confrontations with adversaries.
I read an interesting analysis about this.
ReplyDeleteDuring Obama and Biden, the Saudis were interested in a quiet alliance with Israel because of the Iran threat.
But now Israel has significantly weakened Iran and its proxy terrorist groups while Trump works to put another deal with Iran in place. This should've been seen as a triumph for Israel but instead the Saudis see it this way: Iran is no longer a threat so we no longer have to be nice to Israel.
The Saudis have been at war with the Houthis, and also been attacked by Iran.
DeleteThey have the financial clout, so they can buy warplanes from China, S400s from russia. It is smarter for America to deal with them and get their money, rather than allowing them to become like pakistan. Also, USA has killswitch on their weaponry in case they should choose to go rogue. The weaponry is largely a deterrent, so that iran do not attack them. The houthis have not been defeated despite years of bombing by air.
Some people forget that the US, like any other country, has its own interests and priorities. A huge military deal with SA keeps SA in the fold and a lucrative source of business.
DeleteDon't forget that Reagan was criticized by the Israel crowd for selling weapons to the Saudis. Those came in handy though when the Kuwait invasion happened.
Garnel why are you not part of the Israel crowd?
DeleteI am part of the Israel crowd but unlike those afflicted by a certain derangement syndrome, I recognize the complexity of the situation. Israel is potentially is both a very good and very bad position right now.
DeleteFor example, there are reports that France intends to host a UN conference (to which Israel is not invited) where they will unveiled a staged plan leading to an independent Palestine and full Israeli withdrawal from Yesha, non-negotiable of course (and Israel will have no input) with the threat of significant sanctions on non-cooperating parties (ie. Israel because the Arabs won't be held accountable)
This is potentially a very dangerous time.
France vs USA.... France loses
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