Israeli Finance Minister Says They Are Pressuring US to Block Turkey's F-35 Purchase

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said they have engaged in both open and covert initiatives with the US administration to prevent Turkey's purchase of F-35 fighter jets. Smotrich claimed Turkey is a threat to Israel, describing President Erdoğan as 'very dangerous'.

Scraper SystemJuly 09, 2026, 10:48 AM

Israeli Finance Minister Says They Are Pressuring US to Block Turkey's F-35 Purchase

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced in a statement to Israeli media that they are conducting intensive lobbying efforts with the US to prevent Turkey's purchase of F-35 fighter jets.

Speaking to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, Smotrich said, "We are working very hard both openly and behind the scenes to prevent the sale of F-35s to Turkey." The minister said they have also held talks with US President Donald Trump as part of these efforts.

Regarding Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Smotrich stated, "Erdoğan should not be allowed access to weapons that would change the rules of the game." The Israeli minister also claimed, "Erdoğan is a very dangerous man. Turkey, as it stands today, is a very significant threat to Israel."

The backdrop to Israel's efforts is the concern in Tel Aviv over US President Trump's positive remarks about Turkey's return to the F-35 program at the 36th NATO Summit in Ankara. Previously, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar had also expressed opposition to the sale of F-35s to Turkey, emphasizing that the US must maintain Israel's "qualitative military edge" in the region.

Source: Anadolu Ajansı

Have a story, event or announcement of your own?Send us your news on WhatsApp

Spotted an error in this story?Report it on WhatsApp

Share on all social platforms

Job Listings

Advertisements

Israeli Finance Minister Says They Are Pressuring US to Block Turkey's F-35 Purchase

Stay Updated with Ally Daily

Job Listings

President Trump Announces No Transit Fee for Strait of Hormuz

Iran's missile attacks bring life in Israel to a standstill

New York Times: Israel's 'total victory' policy weakens ties with the US

Ghalibaf warns US on commitments after Dahiyeh strike

Advertisements

Israeli Finance Minister Says They Are Pressuring US to Block Turkey's F-35 Purchase

Stay Updated with Ally Daily

Sponsored Ads

Featured Listings

Iran Threatens New Retaliation Against US Bases Following Attack

Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan attends meeting with Ukraine at US-hosted NATO summit

Trump Says Military Operation Against Cuba Could Be as Swift as Venezuela Example

North Korea Rejects US and Allies' Calls for Nuclear Disarmament, Declares Irreversible Nuclear State Status

President Trump Announces No Transit Fee for Strait of Hormuz

Iran's missile attacks bring life in Israel to a standstill

New York Times: Israel's 'total victory' policy weakens ties with the US

Ghalibaf warns US on commitments after Dahiyeh strike

Iran Threatens New Retaliation Against US Bases Following Attack

Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan attends meeting with Ukraine at US-hosted NATO summit

Trump Says Military Operation Against Cuba Could Be as Swift as Venezuela Example

North Korea Rejects US and Allies' Calls for Nuclear Disarmament, Declares Irreversible Nuclear State Status