The Abe administration is likely to treat Japanese makers' participation as parts producers in the manufacture of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth jet fighter as an exception to Japan's three-point ban on weapons exports.

Among the countries planning to procure the F-35 is Israel, which is caught up in international tension that could lead to military conflict. It's possible that Japan could become involved in an international military conflict, albeit indirectly.

The Abe administration's expected decision carries the danger of gutting the weapons exports ban. It should rethink its decision in view of the basic spirit behind the ban.