Qatar officially applied to the United States in early October to buy a fifth-generation fighter jet, the F-35 Lightning II, it was announced. Israeli Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen said his country must continue its military superiority in the region, adding that they do not want the F-35 sold to Qatar. “Our security and military superiority in the region are the most significant things for us. Our region has still not turned into Switzerland,” he said.

Qatar's demand for an F-35 came after it was raised that the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which 'normalizes' relations with Israel, would buy a fifth-generation fighter jet from the United States.

The White House is consulting With Israel on advanced arms sales to other countries in the region under the principle of protecting Israel's “qualitative military superiority.”