WASHINGTON – Web Desk: US President Donald Trump has pushed back against Israeli objections to the potential sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, stating that American defense decisions are Washington’s alone to make.
Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “No one can tell us what we should sell” , adding that Turkey has been a “very important ally” to the United States for decades . He noted that relations between the two countries should be further strengthened.
Trump also acknowledged that “Turkey doesn’t really like Israel,” but emphasized Ankara’s strategic role in the region under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan . He indicated his administration is considering lifting certain sanctions and possibly reintegrating Turkey into the F-35 program , from which it was expelled in 2019 after purchasing Russia’s S-400 air defense system .
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly voiced concerns, warning that providing advanced stealth jets to Turkey — a vocal critic of Israel’s policies — could disrupt the military balance in the Middle East . He has reportedly lobbied Trump personally against the move, arguing it would undermine Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region .
