Israel Warns US F-35 Sale to Turkey Would 'Destabilize' Middle East

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced strong opposition to the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets from the United States to Turkey, warning that such a move would destabilize the power balance in the Middle East. The statement comes after U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he was considering the sale.

Netanyahu articulated his concerns in an interview with CNN, stating that selling advanced stealth fighters to Turkey would "destabilize" the region. He elaborated that Turkey harbors "aggressive ambitions" and that providing it with such military capabilities would likely lead to increased aggression. This stance reflects Israel's long-standing security concerns regarding Turkey's regional influence and military posture.

The potential sale is particularly sensitive given Turkey's history with the F-35 program. Turkey was expelled from the joint development and production initiative in 2019 after it proceeded with the purchase of Russian S-400 air defense missile systems, a move that strained relations with the U.S. and NATO allies. Despite this, President Trump's administration is reportedly contemplating the sale, potentially to mend bilateral ties or as part of broader geopolitical considerations.

Turkey has been seeking to re-enter the F-35 program and lift U.S. sanctions, which have hindered its defense industry. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reportedly been leveraging his relationship with Trump to secure the jets, including those for which Turkey had already made payments. Netanyahu's opposition underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics and security considerations at play in the Middle East.

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This will destabilize the power balance in the Middle East because I think Turkey has aggressive ambitions. When you give them that kind of power, you will see the aggression that comes with it.