Tel Aviv (TDI): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the United States not to approve the sale of F-35 fighter jets or related aircraft components to Turkiye, warning that such a move would alter the strategic military balance in the Middle East.
Speaking to Fox News ahead of US President Donald Trump’s visit to Ankara for the NATO summit, Netanyahu argued that providing advanced military technology to Türkiye would undermine Israel’s long-standing qualitative military edge in the region.
“I don’t think they should be given F-35s or the engines for their fighter jets because that would upset the power balance in the Middle East,” Netanyahu said. He added that Israel’s air superiority, together with the United States’ military presence in the region, remains an important factor in maintaining regional stability.
He also criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, claiming Ankara should not be rewarded with advanced defense technology because of its strong criticism of Israeli policies.
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Trump is expected to hold talks with Turkish officials during his visit to Ankara, where Türkiye is seeking to secure F110 fighter jet engines and rejoin the US-led F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program.
Last month, Trump indicated that he was willing to explore closer defense cooperation with Turkiye, saying he hoped to make President Erdoğan “very happy” regarding Ankara’s requests.
Defense analysts say Turkiye is seeking access to advanced aircraft engines to support development of its indigenous KAAN stealth fighter program, part of Ankara’s broader effort to become one of the few countries capable of producing fifth-generation combat aircraft.
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Turkiye was originally a partner in the F-35 program but was removed in 2019 after purchasing the Russian-made S-400 air defense system, a move that prompted US sanctions and concerns over the security of sensitive NATO military technology.
During the interview, Netanyahu also dismissed suggestions of tensions with President Trump following recent disagreements over Iran, describing the relationship between the two leaders as strong. “We are the best of allies,” Netanyahu said. “My relationship with the president is fine.”
