Netanyahu Urges U.S. Not to Sell F-35 Fighter Jets to Türkiye

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the United States not to approve the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye, warning that such a move could upset the military balance in the Middle East and undermine Israel's strategic air superiority.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News' Fox & Friends on Monday, Netanyahu said supplying the fifth-generation fighter aircraft to Ankara would pose a security risk to Israel.

While acknowledging that Türkiye is an important regional power, Netanyahu sharply criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, accusing him of repeatedly calling for Israel's destruction.

"He leads a country that is important, but he has publicly called for the destruction of Israel," Netanyahu said. He also accused Türkiye of occupying part of Cyprus, threatening Greece, and making statements about taking control of Jerusalem.

The Israeli leader further claimed that Türkiye's current leadership is influenced by the ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood and has adopted an anti-American stance.

Netanyahu argued that providing Türkiye with F-35 aircraft—or even their engines—would alter the existing regional balance of power, which he said is based on Israel's qualitative military edge and the continued U.S. strategic presence in the Middle East.

He also cited Türkiye's support for Hamas and what he described as Ankara's failure to take a firm stance against Iran as additional reasons why Washington should not proceed with the sale.

The issue comes ahead of an expected meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and President Erdoğan on the sidelines of this week's NATO summit in Ankara.

During the interview, Netanyahu dismissed suggestions that his relationship with President Trump has deteriorated.

"We agree on almost everything. We are very close allies," he said.

Responding to questions about recent public comments that appeared to signal tensions between the two leaders, Netanyahu said, "The president has his own style of speaking, and I have mine."

He added that no final date has yet been set for a possible meeting with Trump but expressed hope that, if it takes place, the two leaders would discuss the implementation of the U.S.-brokered Israel-Lebanon peace agreement.