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US should strengthen Middle East allies, not give F-35s to regional stability threats - editorial

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Named sources Context piece
  • The U.S. should not provide Turkey with F-35 fighter jets or advanced engines, according to an editorial, citing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's concerns.
  • Netanyahu argued that supplying Turkey would disrupt the regional balance of power and threaten Israel's air superiority.
  • The editorial emphasizes that Turkey's actions, including its stance on Hamas and threats against Israel, undermine the trust required for such a strategic partnership.

The United States should refrain from supplying Turkey with F-35 fighter jets and advanced engines, an editorial argues, echoing concerns raised by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The United States should not provide Turkey with F-35 fighter jets or advanced fighter engines, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday, warning that such a move would upset the regional balance of power and threaten Israeli air superiority in the Middle East.

— EditorialThe editorial's summary of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stance on F-35 sales to Turkey.

Netanyahu stated in an interview that providing these advanced capabilities to Turkey would upset the Middle East's power balance and jeopardize Israel's air superiority. He characterized Turkey as being governed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom he accused of calling for Israel's destruction, occupying parts of Cyprus, threatening Greece, and supporting Hamas.

Turkey is ‘governed by a man who calls openly for the annihilation of Israel…and talks openly about conquering Jerusalem.’

— Benjamin NetanyahuPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's description of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a Fox News interview.

The editorial highlights that Erdogan's rhetoric and actions, particularly his post-October 7 comments referring to Hamas as a "liberation group" and Israel as a "terror state," demonstrate a hostile stance towards Israel. It asserts that such language from a NATO leader is not mere diplomatic criticism but reflects a view of Israel as an enemy.

This is not normal diplomatic criticism. It is the language of a leader who sees the Jewish state as an enemy to be defeated, humiliated, and ultimately removed.

— EditorialThe editorial's interpretation of Recep Tayyip Erdogan's rhetoric towards Israel.

Furthermore, the article points out that Turkey's past decision to purchase Russia's S-400 air-defense system already broke trust with the U.S. and NATO. The editorial concludes that Erdogan's continued support for Hamas and threats against Israel further erode any basis for Washington to provide its most advanced fighter jets, regardless of Turkey's strategic importance or the personal relationship between leaders.

Washington and Ankara may have areas where they can cooperate. Turkey remains strategically important: It sits between Europe, Russia, the Black Sea, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. It has a large army and real influence.

— EditorialThe editorial's acknowledgment of Turkey's strategic importance despite concerns.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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