Netanyahu urges US to halt F-35 sales to Turkey

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly urged the United States to refrain from selling F-35 fighter jets and related engine components to Turkey. During an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu argued that such a sale would disrupt the regional balance of power, which he claims relies on Israeli air superiority and the US strategic presence in the Middle East. Tensions between the two nations have escalated following recent rhetoric from Turkish officials regarding Israel, as well as Turkey's historical purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system in 2017, which previously led the US to exclude Ankara from the F-35 program in 2019. Reports suggest the US may now be reconsidering Turkey's involvement or the sale of F110 engines. Furthermore, Israeli concerns include the potential transfer of Israeli-made navigation technology, produced by ELBIT, to Turkish aircraft. Netanyahu also addressed his relationship with US Vice President J.D. Vance, acknowledging disagreements on policies regarding Iran and the conflict in Lebanon. These statements coincide with the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, which President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend.