U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request to halt the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
Netanyahu had urged the United States not to sell the advanced fighter jets to Turkey, arguing that the deal could alter the military balance of power in the Middle East.
The Israeli leader accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of undermining regional security, particularly because Turkey has been one of the strongest critics of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Lebanon.
During the NATO summit held on Tuesday, Trump said he was open to considering the sale of the fighter jets to Turkey, adding that he saw no problem with the proposal.
“I have no concerns about that,” Trump said. “He is a leader who has made his country better, stronger, and far more powerful.”
Earlier, Netanyahu had urged Washington not to grant Ankara access to the F-35 fighter jets.
“I don’t believe they should be given the F-35s or engines for their fighter aircraft, because that would alter the balance of power in the Middle East, where regional security depends on Israel’s air force capabilities and the United States’ strategic posture in the region,” he said.
Netanyahu acknowledged that Turkey is a powerful country but argued that it is led by a president who has openly made statements opposing Israel’s right to exist.
According to Axios, Netanyahu also raised the issue privately with Trump, urging him not to proceed with the sale of the F-35s to Turkey. He reportedly reiterated his concerns during a phone conversation they held last week.
In 2019, the United States removed Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet program after President Erdoğan refused to cancel a deal to purchase Russia’s S-400 air defense system.
Last year, Ankara reaffirmed its interest in rejoining the F-35 program while also making it clear that it intends to continue operating its S-400 system.
Erdoğan and Netanyahu have long had a strained relationship. The Turkish president has frequently criticized Netanyahu and has even compared him to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.
Tensions between Trump and Netanyahu have also escalated in recent months, particularly after Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon raised concerns that they could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran.
Trump acknowledged that he used strong language during a phone call with Netanyahu, urging him to halt Israel’s military strikes.
