Trump considers lifting F-35 ban for Turkey, Israel fears regional imbalance

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering lifting the ban on sales of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, a move that could be presented as a gift during an upcoming NATO summit. Trump indicated he would bring "gifts" for the summit's host nation prior to his departure, leading to speculation about the F-35 deal.

Turkey was previously excluded from the U.S.-led F-35 program in 2019. This action followed Turkey's acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense missile system, which the U.S. deemed incompatible with NATO's security interests and the F-35's capabilities.

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I will lift the sanctions against Turkey and make a decision on the F-35 fighter jet sales case.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the U.S. not to proceed with the sale. Netanyahu conveyed his concerns on July 6, emphasizing that selling F-35s to Turkey would upset the military equilibrium in the Middle East and undermine Israel's absolute air superiority in the region. Relations between Turkey and Israel have been strained, particularly following Israel's actions in Gaza in 2023, which led to a diplomatic freeze.

Trump's consideration of lifting the ban comes as he is set to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the NATO summit. The potential sale represents a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Turkey, which has been a complex relationship marked by both cooperation and friction, especially concerning defense procurements and regional security issues.

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This decision will disrupt the military balance in the Middle East and impact Israel's absolute air superiority in the region.