Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposed the US plan to sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, warning that the move would threaten regional security. Speaking to CNN, Netanyahu claimed that such a sale would upset the balance of power in the Middle East and that Turkey could engage in aggressive actions.
Netanyahu said he had repeatedly discussed the issue with US President Donald Trump, arguing that the personal friendship between Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan does not make Turkey a friend of the US. The Israeli leader claimed there is 'an extremist regime in Turkey that smiles at America or its president when it suits them,' warning that providing F-35s would lead to aggressive actions.
US President Donald Trump, during his meeting with President Erdoğan in Ankara, said they would consider the F-35 sale to Turkey. Describing Turkey as 'a more loyal partner' compared to others, Trump said, 'It's a great plane, by far the best right now, and that's definitely an option we're going to look at.'
In remarks on the sidelines of the NATO summit, Erdoğan recalled that Trump had previously promised five jets and always kept his word, expressing confidence that a positive decision would be reached. A Turkish official speaking to Al Jazeera said Trump conveyed his desire to supply F-35s to Erdoğan and said, 'We are ready to provide security guarantees.'
Turkey seeks engine technology for KAAN
According to Al Jazeera's Ankara bureau chief Abdülazim Muhammed, Turkey is also closely interested in the engines for its indigenous fighter jet KAAN, in addition to the F-35s. Turkey aims to obtain a production license for the US-made F110 engines. Trump reportedly said that Turkey's access to these technologies is not a cause for concern for the US and that support should be given to the ally.
Netanyahu acknowledges disagreements with Trump
In the CNN interview, Netanyahu also acknowledged 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, while stressing that the interests of Israel and the US often align.
The Israeli Prime Minister stated, 'America has no greater ally in the world than Israel, and Tel Aviv has no greater ally than the US.'
Trump should be given a chance on Iran
Skeptical about the prospect of a nuclear deal with Iran, Netanyahu nonetheless said, 'President Trump should be given a chance.' Reiterating that they will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons, deal or no deal, the Israeli Prime Minister said he has seen no sign of an agreement so far, but hopes Trump will keep his promise to prevent Iran's nuclear weapons program.
Netanyahu added that any potential deal must be assessed on whether it meets basic objectives such as 'ending the nuclear program and removing enriched materials.'
