he agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel to normalize their relations, described by some as a “peace” deal, seems to have hit a snag over weapons purchases. The UAE is keen to join the exclusive club of nations allowed to buy F-35 fighter jets; in exchange for allowing the transaction to proceed, Israel is seeking additional American weapon systems.
For those with a long memory, this all sounds very familiar. Egypt’s 1979 treaty with Israel was also attended by questions over weapons purchases. Indeed, President Anwar Sadat’s decision to make peace helped pave Egyptian access to American arms and military aid after he had downgraded ties with the Soviet Union and expelled Soviet military advisors. The two deals have something else in common: They have reduced pressure for a peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
