Ex-US Official Slams Israel's Military Edge Claim as "Absurd"

A former U.S. State Department official has sharply criticized the idea that Israel must maintain a military advantage over Türkiye. Josh Paul, who previously worked on U.S. arms transfers, made the comments in an interview with Anadolu Agency. He was referring to Israel's long-standing policy of maintaining a "qualitative military edge" (QME). QME is a U.S. legal commitment to help Israel keep more advanced weapons than its neighbors. "The notion that Israel's qualitative military edge would trump America's military edge, and NATO's qualitative military edge, is just absolutely absurd," Paul stated. His remarks highlight a growing debate. Israel has recently asked the U.S. to block major arms sales to Türkiye, citing its QME. Türkiye is a fellow NATO member and U.S. ally. Paul argued that the request is unreasonable. He implied that the military strength of the United States and the entire NATO alliance already secures the region.