Netanyahu urges US not to sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday urged the United States not to sell its F-35 fighter jets or components to Turkey. He argued the move would upset the power balance in the region, days ahead of a planned NATO summit visit by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Why does Netanyahu oppose F-35 sales to Turkey?

Netanyahu warned that supplying Turkey with F-35s or their engines would disrupt regional security, which he said depends on Israeli air superiority and America's posture in the Middle East. He made the comments on Fox News as Trump prepared to travel to Ankara for a NATO summit.

Trump's visit could give Turkey an opening to pursue dozens of jet engines and possible readmission to the F-35 program. Netanyahu said it would be a mistake for Washington to reward Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with advanced military technology.

"I don't think they should be given F-35s or the engines for their fighter jets, because that'll upset the power balance in the Middle East," Netanyahu told Fox News morning show "Fox & Friends."

What has Turkey said about Israel recently?

Netanyahu pointed to recent verbal attacks by Turkish officials against Israel, including remarks by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Fidan told CNN Turk last week that Israel was a burden humanity could no longer bear, calling it "the world's problem."

Netanyahu characterized Fidan's comments as suggesting the Jewish state has no place among nations and should be eliminated. He said Erdogan himself has called openly for Israel's destruction.

Why does Turkey want F-35s and new jet engines?

Analysts say Turkey is seeking F110 jet engines for its KAAN stealth fighter project, as Ankara aims to join the small group of nations producing fifth-generation combat aircraft. That group currently includes the United States, China and Russia.

Turkey was expelled from the F-35 program in 2019 after it acquired a Russian S-400 missile defense system in 2017, a move that angered Washington. Last month, Trump said he would make Erdogan "very happy" when asked about Turkey's push to rejoin the program.

What did Netanyahu say about his relationship with Trump?

Netanyahu said he remains close allies with Trump despite recent friction over the Iran war. He described their partnership as strong and said a meeting in Washington is still being planned, though no date has been set.

The two leaders last met in February at the White House, when Netanyahu reportedly urged Trump to launch the war against Iran.