Key facts
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the US should not sell F-35 fighter jets or engines to Turkey.
- Netanyahu warned such a sale would upset the regional balance of power.
- He argued the sale would undermine Israel's air superiority and America's posture in the Middle East.
- Netanyahu cited Turkey's hostility towards Israel, including support for Hamas and threats against NATO allies like Greece.
- He referenced Turkey's previous acquisition of Russian S-400 missile defense systems.
- Netanyahu urged President Donald Trump not to allow Turkey back into the F-35 program.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the United States not to sell F-35 fighter jets or their engines to Turkey, asserting that such a move would disrupt the regional balance of power. Netanyahu stated that providing Turkey with this advanced military technology would undermine Israel's air superiority and America's strategic posture in the Middle East.
Netanyahu cited President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's administration's hostility towards Israel and other NATO allies as a primary concern. He specifically mentioned Turkey's support for Hamas and its threats against Greece, another NATO member. The Israeli leader also pointed to Turkey's past acquisition of Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems as a security risk.
During an appearance, Netanyahu directly appealed to President Donald Trump not to allow Turkey's readmission into the F-35 program. He characterized Erdoğan's regime as being "infected by the Muslim Brotherhood" and hostile to American values, citing chants of "Death to America" and remarks from Turkish officials suggesting Israel has no place among nations.
Relations between Israel and Turkey have been strained, with both nations exchanging accusations and experiencing a deepening geopolitical rift, particularly concerning influence in Syria. Turkey has also been a vocal critic of Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon, and severed trade ties with Israel in May 2024, subsequently joining South Africa's genocide case at the International Court of Justice.