Israel Reportedly Thwarted Turkish F-35 Deal Via UAE

A Turkish news outlet, Haber 7, reported that Israel actively worked to prevent the United Arab Emirates from purchasing Russian S-400 air defense systems from Turkey. This move, according to the report, was intended to hinder Turkey's efforts to have U.S. sanctions lifted and to rejoin the F-35 fighter jet program. Turkey and Russia had reportedly reached understandings regarding the transfer of the systems, but the deal with the UAE stalled.

Israel's alleged intervention aimed to prevent the removal of American sanctions on Ankara and its potential return to the F-35 program. The S-400 missile defense system has been a point of contention between Turkey and the U.S. for years, leading to U.S. sanctions on Turkey's defense industry and its expulsion from the F-35 program.

Despite the reported Israeli pressure, Ankara has developed a new strategy to overcome this obstacle and resolve the issue. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Jeff Flake, stated that discussions regarding the lifting of sanctions and the removal of the S-400 systems from Turkish control are ongoing, suggesting no final resolution has been reached.

Reports from July indicated a sale of S-400 systems to a Gulf nation, later identified as the UAE. However, the deal's completion has been delayed, with Haber 7 attributing the delay not to Russia, but to Israeli objections. Israel reportedly urged the UAE not to purchase the S-400s, fearing it would lead to sanctions relief for Turkey and its reentry into the F-35 program. The report claims Israel has thus far convinced the UAE to postpone a final decision.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously expressed support for lifting sanctions on Turkey, stating in July that it was time to remove them. While the UAE deal faced difficulties, negotiations for a solution continue, with Haber 7 suggesting a new approach, possibly with U.S. assistance, might overcome Israeli opposition.