Israel has launched an intensive diplomatic effort to ensure that any future transfer of advanced F-thirty-five fighter jets in the Middle East preserves regional stability and Israel’s long-standing qualitative military edge, according to people familiar with the discussions.

The initiative, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has focused on persuading key allies that careful sequencing and safeguards are essential as countries such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia seek access to the fifth-generation aircraft.

Israeli officials have argued that the F-thirty-five is not merely another weapons platform but a transformative system that reshapes air power balances, intelligence integration and long-range strike capabilities.

From Jerusalem’s perspective, maintaining Israel’s technological advantage has been a cornerstone of deterrence and has helped prevent wider regional conflict for decades.

Netanyahu’s outreach has emphasized that this principle, enshrined in past security understandings with Washington, remains critical even as regional relationships evolve.

The campaign has unfolded against a backdrop of shifting alliances.

Turkey has renewed its interest in rejoining the F-thirty-five programme after years of estrangement, while Saudi Arabia has signalled ambitions to modernise its air force as part of a broader defence transformation.

Israeli representatives have not publicly opposed regional modernisation, but have stressed that timing, operational restrictions and parallel guarantees for Israel must accompany any such moves.

Supporters of Israel’s position say the effort reflects responsible leadership rather than obstruction.

They note that Israel has increasingly cooperated with Arab partners on security matters, including air defence and intelligence sharing, and that preserving a clear defensive edge underpins confidence on all sides.

In private conversations, Netanyahu has highlighted Israel’s record of restraint and coordination, presenting the policy as one that ultimately benefits regional partners by reducing incentives for escalation.

The debate has also intersected with wider strategic calculations in Washington, where officials are weighing alliance management, industrial capacity and regional deterrence.

Israeli diplomats have framed their case as aligned with broader Western interests, arguing that a calibrated approach to advanced arms transfers strengthens stability rather than undermining it.

As discussions continue, Israel’s leadership appears determined to ensure that any future decisions reinforce a security architecture in which deterrence is clear, alliances are credible and rapid shifts in military balance are avoided.

The outcome will shape not only air power in the Middle East but also the evolving rules governing advanced defence cooperation in a rapidly changing region.