Israel's Concern Over Sale of Advanced American Weapons to Arab States

Moshe Ya'alon, Israel's Defense Minister, expressed concern over the sale of advanced American weapons to Arab states in the Persian Gulf aimed at 'containing Iran,' stating that this situation could challenge Israel's military superiority in the region. According to Reuters, on Tuesday, June 9, the Defense Minister said: 'Although these governments (the Arab states of the Persian Gulf) do not have a hostile plan against Israel today, as we know, the positions and intentions of Middle Eastern governments can change. Undoubtedly, they will have the capability to threaten Israel, and we must prepare for this situation.' Before meeting with General Martin Dempsey, the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Ya'alon emphasized the necessity of maintaining Israel's 'qualitative military superiority' in his speech at a security conference and called for increased military assistance from Washington. He stated: 'The Arab states in the Persian Gulf are arming themselves with Western, particularly American, equipment to cope with the new Iranian situation.' His remarks refer to the potential nuclear agreement at the end of June, under which part of the international sanctions against Iran is expected to be lifted in exchange for limiting Tehran's nuclear activities. Ya'alon added at the annual strategic affairs conference in Herzliya: 'The arming of the Arab states in the Persian Gulf poses a challenge for Israel, and maintaining our current position, which is called 'qualitative military superiority' of Israel, is of great importance.' The report indicates that the U.S. government, based on the policy known as 'qualitative military superiority,' has always provided Israel with weapons that are better and more advanced than those of its regional rivals and potential enemies. The Israeli government, which is considered the only nuclear power in the Middle East, deems the ongoing negotiations to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb as insufficient. Israel claims that lifting international sanctions will enable Iran to provide more support to its affiliated armed groups. Barack Obama announced on May 14 during a meeting with leaders of the Arab states in the Persian Gulf that the U.S. government would consider military options if their security was threatened. Many Arab states in the Persian Gulf that possess advanced American weapons are now working with Washington to enhance missile defense, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism capabilities.