Trump administration okays sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia as part of $24.3B military package

 https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-administration-okays-sale-of-f-35s-to-saudi-arabia-as-part-of-24-3b-military-package/

State Department insists sale ‘won’t alter the military balance in the region,’ referring to US policy of ensuring Israel retains a military edge over potential adversaries

Saudi Arabia has long sought to buy F-35s, but officials from Israel — currently the only country in the Middle East to operate the jets — have voiced concern about their sale to Riyadh despite a push for the kingdom to normalize relations.

The State Department has notified Congress about the proposed sale, which would require the approval of US lawmakers. It did not provide a time frame for the delivery of the jets.