Netanyahu to Trump: ‘Do Not Give F-35s to Türkiye’ — Warns of Shift in Middle East Power Balance

The Israeli prime minister urges Washington to block the sale of F-35 fighter jets and advanced aircraft engines to Türkiye, arguing that Israel's military edge is essential to regional stability.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly urged U.S. President Donald Trump not to approve the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets or advanced fighter aircraft engines to Türkiye, warning that such a move would undermine the strategic balance of power in the Middle East.

His remarks come ahead of the NATO Summit, as Washington weighs a possible reset in defense relations with Ankara following months of speculation that the Trump administration could reconsider Türkiye’s participation in the F-35 program.

“They should not be given F-35s”

Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu delivered one of his strongest public interventions on the issue.

“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.”

According to the Israeli leader, regional stability depends on maintaining Israel’s qualitative military superiority, backed by the continued strategic presence of the United States.

“That balance is ultimately guaranteed by Israeli air superiority and also, I think, by America’s posture in the Middle East.”

Sharp criticism of Erdoğan

Netanyahu also launched a direct attack on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, describing Türkiye as “a regime influenced by the Muslim Brotherhood.”

He accused Erdoğan of repeatedly threatening Israel and questioned whether Ankara should receive advanced U.S. military technology under the current circumstances.

“Türkiye is governed by a leader who openly threatens to destroy Israel.”

The Israeli prime minister also referred to Türkiye’s military presence in Cyprus, stating that Ankara “occupies half of Cyprus,” placing the issue within the broader context of regional security.

A message to Washington

Netanyahu’s intervention is widely seen as a direct appeal to the White House to preserve Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME)—the long-standing U.S. policy aimed at ensuring Israel maintains technological and military superiority over potential regional adversaries.

The issue has gained renewed importance after President Trump signaled openness to improving defense ties with Türkiye, including the possible sale of F110 fighter jet engines and discussions over Ankara’s eventual return to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, from which it was removed following its acquisition of Russia’s S-400 air defense system.

Israel and the U.S. aligned on Iran

Despite his criticism of Türkiye, Netanyahu stressed that the strategic alliance between Israel and the United States remains stronger than ever, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

He praised Washington’s commitment to Israel’s security and reiterated that the United States continues to play a decisive role in maintaining stability across the Middle East.

Netanyahu’s remarks underscore the growing strategic competition shaping the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East. Any decision by Washington to restore advanced military cooperation with Türkiye would have implications extending well beyond bilateral U.S.-Turkish relations, affecting Israel’s security calculations, NATO dynamics and the regional military balance.

As the NATO Summit approaches, the debate over Türkiye’s access to advanced U.S. defense technology has once again emerged as one of the most sensitive geopolitical issues facing the alliance, highlighting the delicate balancing act Washington faces between two key regional partners.

WATCH: Netanyahu on Türkiye:

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, which is ultimately guaranteed by Israeli air superiority and also by, I think, America’s posture in the… pic.twitter.com/OnP40YYk6U

— Clash Report (@clashreport) July 6, 2026

Source: pagenews.gr