Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an interview with Fox News, commented on the possibility of the US selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. Netanyahu urged US President Donald Trump not to allow the sale of F-35s to Turkey.
Netanyahu's remarks came just before Trump's attendance at the NATO Summit to be held in Ankara this week. Trump had previously signaled that he was open to Turkey's re-inclusion in the F-35 program, which was suspended due to Turkey's purchase of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system.
Netanyahu's Statements
In response to a Fox News reporter's question, "Should Turkey get the F-35?", Netanyahu called on the Washington administration to refrain from supplying these aircraft or engines for its indigenous fighter jet project to Ankara. The Israeli Prime Minister warned that such a step could "upset the regional balance of power."
Netanyahu argued that the security of the Middle East rests on Israel's air superiority and the US military presence, and claimed that giving F-35s to Turkey would jeopardize this balance.
Netanyahu's Reasoning
The Israeli Prime Minister claimed that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's attitude towards Israel and other countries makes Ankara "a dangerous ally in terms of security." Accusing Erdoğan of "heading a regime infected with the Muslim Brotherhood virus," Netanyahu alleged that this movement is "pro-extremism, hates America, and chants 'Death to America' slogans."
Netanyahu claimed that Erdoğan "calls for the destruction of Israel," "occupies half of Cyprus," threatens Greece, and speaks of "occupying Jerusalem." He also stated that Turkey's Foreign Minister said "there is no place for a Jewish state among humanity," and that the Interior Minister "aspires to be the governor of Jerusalem."
The Importance of Timing
Netanyahu's remarks came just before Trump's attendance at the NATO Summit to be held in Ankara on Tuesday and Wednesday. The US President had previously given flexible messages regarding Turkey's return to the F-35 program, from which it was excluded due to the S-400 purchase.
While Turkey is trying to gain access to US-made F-110 engines for its domestically developed stealth fighter jet, disagreements with Washington are blocking the procurement of F-35s. Israel, meanwhile, remains the only country in the region to possess the F-35.
It is assessed that Netanyahu is trying to build public pressure on Trump amid rising tensions between Ankara and Tel Aviv due to Israel's war on Gaza and its attacks on Lebanon, Syria, and Iran.
Trump's Stance
Two weeks ago, Trump signaled during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte that there could be progress on the sale of fighter jets to Turkey. When a reporter asked, "Will you bring a big gift bag to Erdoğan, including F-110 engines and F-35s?", Trump replied, "Yes, I think so. Yes, I will probably do something that will make him very happy."
The US President also hinted last September that the US could soon sell F-35s to Turkey. The outcome of the NATO Summit is expected to clarify in the coming days whether Trump will heed Netanyahu's demands or pursue a new deal with Ankara.
