JERUSALEM, Israel – Web Desk: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the United States not to sell advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey, warning that such a move would alter the balance of power in the Middle East and pose risks to Israel’s national security. In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said Israel wants to maintain its aerial superiority in the region, and US supply of F-35s or their engines to Turkey could shift that equilibrium .
The statement comes as US President Donald Trump is set to attend the NATO summit in Ankara, with diplomatic circles speculating that Washington may consider readmitting Turkey to the F-35 program. The US removed Turkey from the F-35 program in 2019 after Ankara acquired Russia’s S-400 air defense system, citing concerns that the Russian system could compromise sensitive F-35 technology .
Netanyahu also criticized the Turkish government under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, claiming it holds an anti-Israel stance and has made statements that could increase regional tensions. He further alleged that some Turkish policies contradict US and Israeli interests, urging Washington to exercise caution in defense cooperation.
Trump has previously signaled he might be open to easing Turkey’s return to the F-35 program, sparking renewed diplomatic debate on the matter . The New York Times reported that Trump plans to inform Erdogan he will allow Turkey to rejoin the F-35 program during the NATO summit, though administration officials noted differences remain over how to navigate legal and congressional obstacles . Defense experts say reintegrating Turkey into the F-35 program could have significant implications for the Middle East, the NATO alliance, and the regional defense balance.
