WEB DESK: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly urged the United States to halt the sale of F-35 fighter aircraft and related components to Turkey, warning that such a deal could destabilize the regional balance of power.
As US President Donald Trump prepares to visit Ankara later Monday for a NATO summit, Turkish officials may see this trip as an opportunity to push for the acquisition of jet engines and potentially re-enter the F-35 fighter jet program.
However, Netanyahu expressed concern that providing Turkey with advanced military technology would be a strategic mistake. He emphasized that doing so might upset the existing power equilibrium in the Middle East, which is largely maintained through Israeli air dominance and the US military posture in the region.
The Israeli Prime Minister specifically cautioned against rewarding Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom Netanyahu accused of “openly calling for the destruction of Israel,” with access to cutting-edge military equipment.
“I believe it would be unwise for Washington to supply F-35s or their engines to Turkey,” Netanyahu told Fox News’s “Fox & Friends.” “Such a move could disrupt the regional stability, which relies heavily on Israeli air superiority and US support.”
Last month, President Trump indicated that the US might consider accommodating Turkey’s requests, promising to make Erdogan “very happy” if Turkey receives F110 jet engines and re-enters the F-35 program.
Turkey’s interest lies in obtaining the new engines for its KAAN stealth fighter project, aiming to develop a fifth-generation combat aircraft industry comparable to those of the US, China, and Russia.
Turkey’s purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system in 2017 led to Washington’s decision to exclude Turkey from the F-35 program in 2019, citing security concerns.
Despite recent tensions, Netanyahu reaffirmed his strong alliance with Trump. “We are the best of allies,” he stated, adding, “My relationship with the US president remains solid despite recent disagreements over Iran and other issues.”
