Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the possibility of the US selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey in an interview with Fox News. 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 participation in the NATO Summit to be held 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 due to Turkey's purchase of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system.
Netanyahu's Statements
When asked by a Fox News reporter, 'Should Turkey buy the F-35?' Netanyahu urged the Washington administration to refrain from supplying these jets or engines for Turkey's indigenous fighter jet project. 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 that giving F-35s to Turkey would endanger 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 'heading a regime infected with the Muslim Brotherhood virus,' Netanyahu alleged that this movement is 'pro-extremism, America-hating, and chanting 'Death to America' slogans.'
Netanyahu claimed that Erdoğan 'called for the destruction of Israel,' 'occupied half of Cyprus,' threatened Greece, and 'talked about occupying Jerusalem.' He also stated that Turkey's Foreign Minister said 'there is no place for a 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 participation in the NATO Summit to be held in Ankara on Tuesday and Wednesday. The US President had previously given flexible signals about Turkey's return to the F-35 program from which it was excluded due to its S-400 purchase.
While Turkey is trying to gain access to US-made F-110 engines for its domestically developed stealth fighter jet, disagreements with Washington are blocking the F-35 procurement. Israel, meanwhile, remains the only country in the region to possess the F-35.
It is assessed that Netanyahu is trying to build public pressure on Trump amid rising tensions between Ankara and Tel Aviv due to Israel's war on Gaza and attacks on Lebanon, Syria, and Iran.
Trump's Stance
Two weeks ago, Trump signaled during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte 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 had also hinted last September that the US could 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.
