UAE's F-35 deal moves closer

The vote on the bill proposed by Democrats was defeated 49-47 in the Senate. As a result the UAE will become the first Arab country to obtain the stealth fighters and the second country in the region after Israel.
In Washington, The UAE’s Ambassador to the US, Yousef Al Otaiba said: “The UAE deeply appreciates the consideration of all senators on today’s votes.
“Continued US support enables the UAE to take on more of the burden for our collective security – ours, yours and our partners. It makes us all safer,” Al Otaiba said.
Al Otaiba went on “Open, tolerant, and future oriented, the UAE is charting a new positive path for the Middle East. We are committed to regional de-escalation and dialogue.” He said the delivery of F-35s would improve US-UAE interoperability.
The signing of the Abraham Accord between the UAE and Israel in September opened the doors to the deal. Indeed Israel supported the sale. Israel’s Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer said: “Israel is very comfortable with the sale of F-35 planes to the United Arab Emirates.”
Congress could still technically oppose and halt the deal and incoming President Joe Biden is believed to be opposed to the arms sales.