13.12.2025 16:10
According to the Greek press, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is presenting a harmonious image with U.S. President Donald Trump in public, while behind the scenes, he is conducting intense diplomatic efforts in Washington to prevent the sale of F-35s to Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
According to the Greek press, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is conducting intense diplomatic efforts in Washington to prevent the sale of F-35s to Turkey and Saudi Arabia while publicly presenting a message of full alignment with U.S. President Donald Trump.
NETANYAHU'S F-35 LOBBYING CLAIM IN THE AGENDA
One of Greece's leading newspapers, Kathimerini, reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been holding secret contacts in the U.S. to block the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. The report suggested that while Netanyahu displayed full alignment with U.S. President Donald Trump in front of the cameras, he preferred not to reflect public disagreements on critical issues.
ALIGNMENT IN FRONT OF CAMERAS, TENSION BEHIND THE SCENES
According to the newspaper, Trump's peace plans for Gaza and the statements signed with regional countries, which would normally be unacceptable to Israel, were not explicitly rejected by Netanyahu. This attitude created an appearance of alignment between the two leaders, while the real struggle was said to be taking place behind the scenes.
CONCERNS ABOUT TURKEY AND SAUDI ARABIA
Kathimerini reported that Trump's positive approach to the sale of F-35s to Turkey and Saudi Arabia has caused serious discomfort in Israel. It was emphasized that the Israeli government does not want to lose the qualitative air superiority provided by being the only country in the Middle East with F-35s. It was noted that Turkey is interested in approximately 40 and Saudi Arabia in 48 F-35s.
LOCKHEED MARTIN THEME CLAIM
The report referenced Israeli analyst Ben Caspit's article in Al-Monitor, claiming that Netanyahu met with Lockheed Martin CEO Frank S. John on December 1. It was suggested that the main agenda of the meeting was how Israel would maintain its military superiority if regional countries acquired F-35s.
PRESSURE THROUGH CLOSE ASSOCIATES OF TRUMP
According to the claims, Netanyahu is also making efforts through close associates of Trump to block the sale to Turkey. Among these individuals are Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, Mike Waltz, and prominent Republican Party donor Miriam Adelson. It is also claimed that Netanyahu is expected to personally bring up this issue in his upcoming meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.