As Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman emphasized, Israel is the first country outside the US to receive this airplane. The F-35 represents the crown jewel of air-power superiority and will therefore be a great contribution to the IDF’s air force.

Within the framework of talks over a “compensation package” of military aid the U.S. is set to offer Israel in the wake of the Iran nuclear deal, Israel has reportedly asked to receive the stealth version of the F-15 fighter plane, the F-15SE Silent Eagle.

In a move beneficial for Israel's military as well as its economy, Jerusalem is purchasing more F-35 fighters from the US.