Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed concerns over the US sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, arguing that the move would upset the regional power balance and cause instability. In an interview with CNN, Netanyahu described the government in Turkey as an 'extremist regime' and warned that if the F-35s were given to that country, 'aggressive actions' would occur.
Netanyahu stated that he had discussed the issue repeatedly with US President Donald Trump. The Israeli leader claimed that the personal friendship between Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan 'does not make Turkey a friend of the US,' and suggested that Turkey adopts an attitude of 'smiling at America or its president when necessary.'
Trump greenlights sale in Ankara
US President Donald Trump announced during his meeting with President Erdoğan in Ankara that they would consider the sale of F-35s to Turkey. Stating that Turkey is a 'more loyal partner' compared to others, Trump said, 'It's a great plane, by far the best right now, and it's definitely an option we will consider.'
Erdoğan, for his part, stated during the NATO summit that Trump had previously promised five planes and 'always keeps his word,' expressing confidence that a positive decision would be made. A Turkish official speaking to Al Jazeera said that Trump conveyed his desire to supply F-35s to Erdoğan and said, 'We are ready to provide security guarantees.'
Turkey seeks engine technology for KAAN
According to Al Jazeera's Ankara Bureau Chief Abdulazim Mohammed, Turkey is closely interested in the engines of its indigenous fighter jet KAAN, in addition to the F-35s. Turkey aims to obtain a production license for the US-made F110 engines. It was stated that Trump said Turkey's access to these technologies is not a concern for the US and that the ally should be supported.
Netanyahu: Trump and I have disagreements
In the CNN interview, Netanyahu also admitted that there are 'situational disagreements' between him and Trump on some issues. 'He is the president of America and does what is in his country's interest, and I am the prime minister of Israel and do what is in my country's interest,' Netanyahu said, while emphasizing that the interests of Israel and the US 'often overlap.'
The Israeli prime minister said, 'America has no greater ally in the world than Israel, and Tel Aviv has no greater ally than the US.'
Trump should be given a chance on Iran
Netanyahu, who is skeptical about the possibility of a nuclear deal with Iran, nevertheless said that 'President Trump should be given a chance.' The Israeli prime minister reiterated that they would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, deal or no deal, and stated that he has not seen any sign of a deal so far, but hopes Trump will keep his promise to prevent Iran's nuclear weapons program.
Netanyahu added that any potential deal should be examined to see whether it meets key objectives such as 'ending the nuclear program and removing enriched materials.'
