Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on 7/7 that a potential US sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey "would destroy the balance of power in the Middle East," attributing this to Turkey's "aggressive ambitions."

He argued that Turkey does not promote regional peace and stability. Prime Minister Netanyahu added, "Aggressive actions will appear if they are given that power."

Netanyahu also suggested that an F-35 sale to Ankara would not foster a more amicable relationship with the US. He noted that Turkey is influenced by the Muslim Brotherhood, an organization he described as holding views hostile to the US.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a press conference in Jerusalem on 15/6. *Photo: AFP*

Referring to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, the Israeli Prime Minister stated, "He is not exactly an exemplary ally of the US." Netanyahu further claimed, "He has threatened to destroy my country, the only Jewish nation in the world."

Earlier the same day, US President Donald Trump indicated he was considering lifting the ban on F-35 fighter jet sales to Turkey, a prohibition he enacted during his first term. Trump also mentioned he would revoke sanctions imposed on Turkey concerning Ankara's acquisition of the S-400 missile system from Russia.

Trump commented, "We have better relations with Turkey. In many ways, this country is much more loyal than other countries that the US thinks would be loyal."

Neither the US nor Turkish presidents have commented on Prime Minister Netanyahu's statement. It is important to note that the US Congress must approve any arms sale to Turkey; such deals do not solely depend on President Trump's will.

The US removed Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet development program in 2019 and imposed sanctions. This decision followed Turkey's agreement to purchase Russia's S-400 air defense system, which Washington views as an "intelligence gathering platform" for Moscow and a potential threat to the F-35 program.

Turkey has long sought the lifting of US sanctions, which have impacted its defense projects, and its re-entry into the F-35 program.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has consistently opposed US F-35 sales to Turkey. However, President Erdogan relies on his strong relationship with President Trump to facilitate Ankara's acquisition of the fighter jets.

A US F-35B fighter jet prepares to land during training off the coast of California on 21/6. *Photo: USMC*

Turkey, a NATO member and neighbor to Iran, has repeatedly accused Israel of attempting to undermine the US-Iran agreement and has condemned Israeli operations in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Syria.

Last week, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated in an interview that Israel has "become a burden that humanity can no longer bear." Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denounced this statement as a "typical act of incitement to genocide."

*Pham Giang (AFP, CNN, Reuters)*