The IDF General Staff has submitted a professional position paper from the Air Force to the political leadership explicitly opposing the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, ynet has learned. The document outlined the importance of maintaining Israel's air superiority in the Middle East, which could be eroded if other countries in the region acquire the advanced aircraft. The paper detailed how missions that the IDF carries out in the third circle using these aircraft are successfully executed far from Israel and covertly - thanks to Israel's exclusive access to this platform in the Middle East. The IDF is concerned that such a massive deal would occupy production lines for fighter jets in the United States - in a way that would delay purchases and production for Israel.