'Israel's purchase of F-35 jets poses M.East security risk'

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem says that US-Israeli deal worth nearly $3 billion is "threat on region's Arab countries."

By BY JPOST.COM STAFF, ASSOCIATED PRESS
JSF-35 311 (photo credit: courtesy)
JSF-35 311
(photo credit: courtesy)
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem claimed on Saturday the that Israel's recent deal for the purchase of F-35 stealth fighter jets from the US poses a serious security threat to the entire Middle East.
"We were told Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is set to announce a settlement construction freeze for an additional two months in exchange for a guarantee that the issue will not come up again and advanced weapons. Now the issue is not the settlement freeze, but the threat on the region's Arab countries,"  Moallem said Saturday.
RELATED:Finance Minister balks at F-35 jet dealIsrael signs contract to buy F-35 stealth fighter
Israel signed the contract to buy American-made F-35 stealth fighter jets last Thursday with Netanyahu saying the purchase would significantly strengthen Israel's military, but gave no other details.
Under the contract signed in New York by Ehud Shani, director general of the Defense Ministry, Israel will get 20 of the warplanes for nearly $3 billion and will receive the jets in 2016. It has an option for 75 more.
A fifth-generation stealth jet, the F-35 is said to be capable of evading all radars and anti-aircraft missile systems.
“The F-35 will provide Israel with continued air superiority and help retain its qualitative military edge in the region,” Defense Minister Ehud Barak said last month. “The plane will provide the air force with improved capabilities in ensuring Israel’s security when operating near and far away.”