Donald Trump has signaled that Benjamin Netanyahu will not get a veto over whether Washington sells F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, Israel’s leading regional rival, just a day before the two leaders are scheduled to sit down in the Oval Office. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump was asked about Israel’s objections to the possible sale of the advanced stealth aircraft to Ankara. “Turkey has been a great ally, for me,” Trump said, adding, “Nobody tells me what we should be selling or not. Turkey has been a tremendous ally.” He also argued that Israel “wouldn’t survive” without US backing, saying: “Israel would have been terminated months ago, and years ago, if I didn’t terminate the Obama horrible [Iran] deal.” Trump later remarked: “Turkey is not a big fan of Israel, you know that, right? And not a big fan of Bibi.” Ties between Turkey and Israel have deteriorated sharply over the past two years, with Netanyahu accusing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government of being a regime influenced by the Muslim Brotherhood. Israel opposes any F-35 sale to Turkey, warning it could disrupt the regional balance of power. Even so, despite Trump’s public openness to the idea, current US law still blocks such a transfer.
Congress blocks Turkey’s F-35 return
Turkey was expelled from the F-35 fighter jet program in 2019 after purchasing Russia’s S-400 air defense system, a move that triggered strong opposition in Washington. Later that year, Congress approved legislation prohibiting any sale of the aircraft to Ankara. Last week, the State Department formally informed Congress that Turkey has not satisfied the legal requirements under US law for a potential F-35 transfer. During his visit to Ankara this month, Trump also said sanctions imposed on Turkey during his first term would be lifted, telling reporters that the United States does not sanction its friends. But any move to reverse those penalties would still need congressional approval, and the restrictions continue to have bipartisan support.
Netanyahu warns against Turkish fighter jets
In an interview with Fox News earlier this month, Netanyahu argued that Turkey should not be allowed to receive the stealth jets or the engines needed for its fighter program, warning that such a step would “upset the balance of power in the Middle East.” The Israeli prime minister described Turkey as a regime infected by the Muslim Brotherhood and accused Erdogan of openly calling for Israel’s destruction. Netanyahu is expected to meet privately with Trump at the White House after arriving in Washington for the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham. The Israeli leader has been Trump’s most significant foreign partner since the two governments began their joint campaign against Iran in February. But that partnership has come under strain in recent months, as Trump has shown growing irritation over what he views as Israeli attempts to extend the war and complicate efforts to reach a settlement with Tehran.
Turkey steps in as key mediator
Turkey, for its part, chose not to join the US-Israeli campaign against Iran that began in late February, instead positioning itself as a possible mediator. Turkish officials spent much of the spring relaying messages between Washington and Tehran in an effort to steer both sides toward direct negotiations. Erdogan’s government has also coordinated with Egypt and Pakistan in communications involving White House envoy Steve Witkoff. In a May phone call with Trump, Erdogan said he welcomed the extension of the ceasefire and believed the remaining disagreements could be resolved. Trump later described the conversation as “very good” and said his relationship with Erdogan remained strong.
