Netanyahu Criticizes Potential F-35 Sale
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced strong opposition to the potential U.S. sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey. In an interview with CNN on Tuesday, Netanyahu warned that providing such advanced technology to Ankara would “destroy the power balance in the Middle East.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks follow President Donald Trump’s indication during a NATO summit in Turkey that his administration is considering overturning a ban on the sale of the aircraft. Trump, who previously implemented the ban during his first term due to Turkey’s acquisition of Russian-made air defense systems, described Turkey as an “extraordinary” ally during his visit.
Security Concerns and Regional Tensions
Netanyahu characterized the potential sale as a strategic error, arguing that Turkey’s current leadership under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is not a reliable partner. “This is not a force for peace and stability. When you give them that power, you’re going to see aggression in its wake,” Netanyahu said. He specifically pointed to recent rhetoric from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, which Israel has condemned as incitement to genocide.
Despite the disagreement over the fighter jets, Netanyahu sought to downplay any personal or political friction with President Trump. He emphasized that the two leaders see “eye-to-eye” on most major geopolitical issues, stating, “I’m the Prime Minister of Israel, I do what is important for Israel, and most of the time these things are identical.”
Broader Policy Challenges
The interview also touched upon the recent US-Iran ceasefire agreement. While Netanyahu expressed doubts regarding the effectiveness of the deal in curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, he stated that he would give the President’s negotiation strategy a chance. The Prime Minister also faced questions regarding domestic issues, including a surge in settler violence in the West Bank, which he described as the work of a small group of “juvenile delinquents,” while acknowledging that the Israeli judicial system has been “very lenient” in these cases.