Since the UAE and Israel agreed to normalize relations, a possible F-35 sale to Abu Dhabi has caused concern in Congress over Israel's Qualitative Military Edge (QME). Israel is currently the only Middle East country with the advanced fighter planes. -GEG

A group of bipartisan lawmakers introduced a bill in the House that would effectively give Israel the power to veto US arms sales to countries in the Middle East. Since the UAE and Israel agreed to normalize relations, a possible F-35 sale to Abu Dhabi has caused concern in Congress over Israel's Qualitative Military Edge (QME).

The QME is mandated by US law and means Washington will ensure Israel maintains military superiority over its neighbors. Currently, it is up to Congress to ensure Israel's QME. The new bill would require Israel to be consulted before any arms sales are made that could jeopardize the QME.