Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an interview with Fox News, 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 asked by a Fox News reporter, "Should Turkey get the F-35?", Netanyahu urged the Washington administration to refrain from supplying these jets or engines for its indigenous fighter jet project to Ankara. 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 jeopardize 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 dangerous ally in terms of security." Accusing Erdoğan of being "at the head of a regime infected with the Muslim Brotherhood virus," Netanyahu alleged that this movement is "pro-extremism, hates America, and chants 'Death to America'."
Netanyahu asserted that Erdoğan "calls for the destruction of Israel," "occupies half of Cyprus," threatens Greece, and speaks of "occupying Jerusalem." He also relayed that Turkey's Foreign Minister said "there is no place for the Jewish state among humanity," and that the Interior Minister expressed a desire to "become the governor of Jerusalem."
Significance of the 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 regarding 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.
Amid rising tensions between Ankara and Tel Aviv over Israel's war on Gaza and its attacks on Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, Netanyahu is assessed to be trying to build public pressure on Trump.
Trump's Stance
Two weeks ago, during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump signaled that there could be progress on the sale of fighter jets 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."
The US President also hinted last September that the US might 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.
