Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed concerns over the US sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, arguing that the move would threaten regional stability. In an interview with CNN, Netanyahu claimed that such a sale would disrupt the balance of power in the Middle East and could lead to Turkey engaging in aggressive actions.
Netanyahu stated that he had repeatedly discussed the issue with US President Donald Trump. Arguing that the personal friendship between Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan did not make Turkey a friend of the United States, Netanyahu said there was an 'extremist regime in Turkey that smiles at America or its president when necessary.' He reiterated his warning that if the F-35s were provided, there would be aggressive actions.
Positive signal from Trump in Ankara
US President Donald Trump said during his meeting with President Erdoğan in Ankara that they would take the F-35 sale to Turkey into consideration. Trump stated that Turkey is a 'more loyal partner' compared to others, and added, 'It's a great plane, currently by far the best, and it's definitely an option we will consider.'
Erdoğan, meanwhile, stated in his remarks as part of the NATO summit that Trump had previously promised five planes and 'always keeps his word,' expressing confidence that a positive decision would be made.
A Turkish official speaking to Al Jazeera said that Trump conveyed to Erdoğan his desire to supply F-35s and that he stated, 'We are ready to provide security guarantees.'
Targeting engine technology for KAAN project
According to Al Jazeera's Ankara Bureau Chief Abdülazim Muhammed, Turkey is closely interested in the engines of the domestic fighter jet KAAN as well as the F-35s. Turkey aims to obtain a production license for US-made F110 engines. Trump reportedly stated that Turkey's access to these technologies is not a source of concern for the US, and that support should be given to an ally.
Netanyahu: 'Situational disagreements' with Trump
In the CNN interview, Netanyahu also admitted that there are 'situational disagreements' between him and Trump on some issues. 'He is the president of the United States and does what is in his country's interest, and I am the prime minister of Israel and do what is in my country's interest,' Netanyahu said, emphasizing that despite this, Israeli and US interests 'mostly overlap.'
Netanyahu stated, 'America has no greater ally in the world than Israel, and Tel Aviv has no greater ally than the United States.'
Views on Iran nuclear deal
Netanyahu, who expressed skepticism about the possibility of a nuclear deal with Iran, nevertheless said that 'President Trump should be given a chance.' Reiterating that they will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons regardless of whether there is a deal, the Israeli Prime Minister stated that he has not seen any sign of a deal so far, but he hopes Trump will keep his promise to prevent Iran's nuclear weapons program.
Netanyahu added that it is necessary to see whether a potential deal meets core objectives such as 'ending the nuclear program and removing enriched materials.'
