JERUSALEM, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that the U.S. decision to suspend the sale of F-35 warplanes to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will not affect Israeli ties with the UAE.

"We have passed the point of no return," Netanyahu said during a press briefing broadcast on his Facebook page.

"Everyone understands that there are huge benefits to having ties with Israel," he added, noting he believes the arms deal will finally go through.

Netanyahu's remarks came after U.S. President Joe Biden's administration announced the halt of a major sale of the advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets.

The deal was approved by the Trump administration after the UAE agreed last year to normalize its relations with Israel.