Israel has played down a possible set-back for efforts to build up relations with the United Arab Emirates following a decision by US President Joe Biden’s administration to suspend the sale of F-35 fighter jets to the Persian Gulf country.
“I don’t think so. I think we have passed the point of no-return,” Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday, when asked by reporters whether the US move would affect the regime’s ties with the UAE and other Arab countries.
“Everyone understands that there are huge advantages here. It’s peace in exchange for peace ... I think it’ll move ahead,” Netanyahu said, according to Reuters.
Benny Gantz, Israeli minister of military affairs, also claimed the US move was “routine”.
The newly-inaugurated Biden administration on Wednesday put a hold on the sales of several major foreign arms initiated by former US President Donald Trump, including the sale of US F-35 jets to the UAE.
“The department is temporarily pausing the implementation of some pending US defense transfers and sales under Foreign Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales to allow incoming leadership an opportunity to review,” the State Department said in a statement.
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