Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged President Donald Trump not to allow Turkey to acquire U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets, citing concerns that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's hostility toward Israel and other NATO allies makes Turkey an unacceptable security risk. Netanyahu's remarks came ahead of Trump's attendance at the NATO summit in Ankara.
"For a regime infected by the Muslim Brotherhood, an extreme movement that hates America and chants 'Death to America,' from that side of the spectrum, I don't think they should be given F-35s or the engines for their fighter jets," Netanyahu stated, warning that such a sale could "upset the power balance in the Middle East."
Trump had previously signaled a willingness to reconsider Turkey's participation in the F-35 program, from which Ankara was removed years ago due to its acquisition of Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems. Netanyahu emphasized that the region's security relies on Israel's air superiority and the U.S. military presence, and that providing advanced weaponry to Turkey would jeopardize this balance.
Netanyahu pointed to Erdoğan's past calls for Israel's destruction, Turkey's support for Hamas, and its threats against fellow NATO member Greece as reasons why Ankara should not be entrusted with advanced military technology. He recalled statements made by Turkish officials, including claims that the "Jewish state hasn't a place among humanity" and that they looked forward to being the governor of Jerusalem.
The Israeli leader also voiced concerns about Iran, stating that the country's leadership remains committed to anti-American and anti-Israel sentiments, evidenced by chants of "Death to Trump" and "Death to America" at the funeral of senior commanders killed in strikes. Netanyahu cautioned that Iran is not an American friend and should not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons or the means to deliver them, characterizing the situation as a "battle of freedom versus fanaticism."