Netanyahu opposes potential U.S. sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly urged the United States not to proceed with the sale of F-35 fighter jets or F110 engines to Turkey. Netanyahu argued that such a move would disrupt the military balance of power in the Middle East, which he claims is anchored by Israel’s aerial superiority. These comments were made ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara, where U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to attend. While President Trump has previously suggested openness to reinstating Turkey into the F-35 program, the Turkish Foreign Ministry dismissed Netanyahu’s remarks as an organized disinformation campaign, accusing his government of destabilizing the region. Netanyahu also expressed concerns over Turkish foreign policy, specifically mentioning threats against Israel, the occupation of northern Cyprus, and alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. Despite these public disagreements, Netanyahu stated that Israel and the U.S. remain close allies and that their strategic views largely align. The U.S. had previously removed Turkey from the F-35 program in 2019 following its acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile defense system.