In an interview with Fox News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the possibility of the US selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. Netanyahu called on US President Donald Trump not to open the door to F-35 sales to Turkey.
Netanyahu's remarks came just before Trump's attendance at the NATO Summit in Ankara this week. Trump had previously signaled that he was open to Turkey's re-inclusion in the F-35 program, which was suspended after Turkey purchased the Russian-made S-400 air defense system.
Netanyahu's Statements
When a Fox News reporter asked, "Should Turkey get the F-35?", Netanyahu urged the Washington administration to avoid supplying these jets or engines for Turkey's indigenous fighter jet project. The Israeli Prime Minister warned that such a step could "upset the regional balance of power."
Netanyahu argued that the security of the Middle East rests on Israel's air superiority and the US military presence, and claimed that giving F-35s to Turkey would endanger this balance.
Netanyahu's Justifications
The Israeli Prime Minister claimed that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's stance toward Israel and other countries makes Ankara "a security risk as an ally." Accusing Erdoğan of "heading a regime infected with the Muslim Brotherhood virus," Netanyahu alleged that this movement is "extremist, hates America, and chants 'Death to America'."
Netanyahu claimed that Erdoğan "calls for the destruction of Israel," "occupies half of Cyprus," threatens Greece, and speaks of "occupying Jerusalem." He also said that Turkey's Foreign Minister stated that "there is no place for a Jewish state among humanity," and the Interior Minister expressed a desire to "become the governor of Jerusalem."
The Importance of Timing
Netanyahu's remarks came just before Trump's attendance at the NATO Summit in Ankara on Tuesday and Wednesday. The US President had previously sent flexible messages about Turkey's return to the F-35 program, from which it was excluded due to the S-400 purchase.
While Turkey seeks access to US-made F-110 engines for its domestically developed stealth fighter jet, disagreements with Washington are blocking F-35 procurement. Israel remains the only country in the region to possess the F-35.
It is assessed that Netanyahu is trying to build public pressure on Trump amid rising tensions between Ankara and Tel Aviv due to Israel's war on Gaza and attacks on Lebanon, Syria, and Iran.
Trump's Stance
Two weeks ago, during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump signaled that there could be progress on fighter jet sales to Turkey. When a reporter asked, "Will you bring a big gift bag to Erdoğan, including F-110 engines and F-35s?", Trump replied, "Yes, I think so. Yes, I'll probably do something that will make him very happy."
Last September, the US President also hinted that the US could soon sell F-35s to Turkey. The outcome of the NATO Summit is expected to clarify in the coming days whether Trump will heed Netanyahu's demands or pursue a new deal with Ankara.
