09.07.2026 12:40
Following US President Trump's decision on Turkey, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who took action, will meet with Trump next week to prevent Turkey's return to the F-35 program. The Tel Aviv administration, seeking to completely halt the sale, will, if unsuccessful in this initiative, strive to have Turkey provided with downgraded versions of the aircraft.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took action after President Trump gave the green light for Turkey's return to the F-35 fighter jet program at the 36th NATO Summit.
LOWER VERSIONS MAY BE PROVIDED
According to a report by Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, the Israeli security cabinet heard assessments regarding the F-35 fighter jet negotiations between the US and Turkey during a meeting on the evening of Tuesday, July 7. The Tel Aviv administration, which has made significant efforts to prevent the US from supplying F-35s to Turkey, is working to ensure that if these efforts fail, at least downgraded versions of the aircraft are provided to Turkey.
"WE ARE TRYING TO INFLUENCE THE PROCESS"
A senior Israeli official argued that US President Trump could still impose certain conditions before the delivery of the aircraft. Stating his belief that Israel would maintain its air superiority, the Israeli official claimed the deal could still be prevented, saying, "There are many versions of this aircraft, and we are trying to influence this process as much as possible."
Another Israeli official claimed the deal had not yet been finalized and asserted that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu would likely raise the issue during his visit to the US "possibly next week" for a meeting with Trump.
ISRAEL WILL COOPERATE WITH CONGRESS
Meanwhile, it was reported that Israel would cooperate with Congress to disrupt the agreement between Ankara and Washington using legislation related to the preservation of Israel's "Qualitative Military Edge (QME)."
According to US legislation on arms transfers, "qualitative military edge" aims to ensure Israel maintains its military superiority over any country in the Middle East.
NETANYAHU HAD CALLED FOR ACTION
Following signals from US President Trump that Turkey could rejoin the F-35 program, Israeli politicians, led by Netanyahu, expressed their opposition.
Netanyahu gave interviews to US media before and during the NATO summit in Ankara, calling for Turkey not to be granted access to the F-35s.