Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government is considering selling up to 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, which would represent a significant policy shift and could alter the military balance in the Middle East while testing the U.S. commitment to maintaining Israel's military superiority [1][3]. Group 1: Potential Sale Details - Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in purchasing F-35 jets and made a direct request to the U.S. earlier this year [3]. - The U.S. Department of Defense is currently evaluating the potential sale, which has progressed to the level of review by the Secretary of Defense [3]. - The sale would be part of a broader context where the U.S. ensures Israel maintains a military advantage over Arab nations [3]. Group 2: Previous Military Agreements - On May 13, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a military sales agreement valued at nearly $142 billion, marking the largest military sale in history between the two nations [4]. - The agreement includes advanced combat equipment and services from over ten U.S. defense companies across five areas, including air force upgrades and missile defense systems [4]. - The F-35 is noted as the most advanced fighter jet in the U.S. export lineup, featuring stealth technology and multi-role combat capabilities [4].