The Facts
Israel's Ministry of Defense said on Sunday that it has approved the purchase of 25 F-35 stealth fighter jets from the US in a deal worth $3B, raising the total number of F-35s in Israel's arsenal to 75.
Israel is the only Middle Eastern country in possession of the aircraft. The deal will be financed through the military aid Israel receives from the US.
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
This expansion of the F-35 deal between the US and Israel shows that the relationship between the two nations is stronger than ever, as Israel gains more tools to protect itself and its interests in the region. Maintaining air superiority over Israel's enemies is the only way to guarantee the safety of the Israeli people.
Anti-Israel narrative
America is underwriting Israel's human rights violations with its lax attitude towards arms exports. The US is breaking its own laws and moral principles by continuing to expand arms shipments to a country committing severe human rights abuses. The hardline right-wing Israeli government in office is unlikely to reverse course anytime soon, making this deal even more egregious.
