Netanyahu urges US not to sell F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directly appealed to the United States to withhold the sale of F-35 fighter jets and related components to Türkiye. Netanyahu stated that supplying such advanced military technology would significantly "upset the power balance" in the Middle East, a balance he believes is maintained by Israeli air superiority and American presence.

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I don't think they should be given F-35s or the engines for their fighter jets, because that'll upset the power balance in the Middle East, which is ultimately guaranteed by Israeli air superiority and also by, I think, by America's posture in the Middle East.

The Prime Minister's plea comes as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares for a visit to Ankara for a NATO summit. Türkiye is reportedly seeking this opportunity to secure dozens of jet engines and potentially regain access to the F-35 fighter jet program, from which it was expelled in 2019 after acquiring Russian S-400 missile defense systems.

Netanyahu expressed strong opposition to rewarding Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with advanced weaponry, particularly given what he described as Erdogan's "open calls for the annihilation of Israel." He specifically referenced recent statements by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who reportedly called Israel "the world's problem" and suggested the "Jewish state hasn't a place among humanity - basically it has to be wiped out."

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said that the Jewish state hasn't a place among humanity - basically it has to be wiped out.

Analysts suggest Türkiye aims to integrate these new engines into its flagship KAAN stealth fighter project, as it seeks to become a producer of fifth-generation combat aircraft. Despite recent diplomatic friction, Netanyahu reaffirmed his close alliance with President Trump, stating their relationship is "fine" and that a meeting in Washington is still being arranged.

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We are the best of allies.