08.07.2026 07:30
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed the sale of F-35 fighter jets by the United States to Turkey, stating, 'This would destroy the balance of power in the Middle East because I believe Turkey has aggressive ambitions.' Netanyahu also said, 'When you give them this power, you will see aggression follow.' The statement came after US President Donald Trump announced that they would consider selling F-35s to Turkey.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made striking statements after US President Donald Trump announced they would evaluate the sale of F-35s to Turkey.
Speaking to US-based CNN, Netanyahu argued that selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey would alter the balance of power in the Middle East and expressed his opposition to it.
"DESTROYS THE BALANCE OF POWER"
Netanyahu claimed that Turkey possessing F-35 fighter jets would have serious consequences for the region, saying, "This would destroy the balance of power in the Middle East because I believe Turkey has aggressive ambitions."
Netanyahu suggested that Turkey could pursue a more aggressive policy in the region after acquiring an F-35 fleet, stating, "When you give them this power, you will see aggression follow."
"DOES NOT MAKE IT A FRIENDLY STATE FOR THE US"
The Israeli Prime Minister argued that selling the US's most advanced fighter jet to Turkey would not change Washington-Ankara relations.
Netanyahu used terms for Turkey such as "a regime infected with the Muslim Brotherhood that hates the US" and recalled that he had previously opposed the sale of F-35s to Turkey.
SAID THERE IS NO DISAGREEMENT WITH TRUMP
Netanyahu stated in his CNN interview that there is no disagreement with Trump on important issues, expressing that the two leaders are on the same page regarding major matters. Trump, in a statement over the weekend, had said of Netanyahu, "He knows who the boss is."
TRUMP: WE WILL EVALUATE THE F-35 SALE
US President Donald Trump announced on July 7, after his meeting in Ankara with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, that they would lift CAATSA sanctions against Turkey.
Trump also responded to a question about the F-35 sale to Turkey, saying, "That's a decision we'll make. It's a great plane, by far the best plane, and that's something we'll definitely evaluate."
President Erdogan noted that the F-35 issue is not new for Turkey, stating, "Mr. Trump has a promise to us on this. He always stands by his word. I believe a favorable decision will come."