Trump Visits Ankara Amid Rising Turkey-Israel Tensions, Signals F-35 Fighter Jet Deal

US President Donald Trump is set to attend next week's NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, leveraging his close ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to secure his presence despite escalating tensions between Israel and Turkey. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently criticized Israel, calling it a problem for the international community, while Trump hinted at approving Turkey's return to the F-35 stealth fighter jet program, a significant security development for Ankara.

Trump's attendance helps avoid complications for the NATO alliance, especially as he has repeatedly threatened to reduce US military presence in Europe and diminish America's role in NATO. Known for his admiration of strong leaders, Trump has praised Erdogan as a "distinguished leader" and a good friend, contrasting with the Biden administration's more distant stance due to Turkey's democratic backsliding and close ties with Russia.

The upcoming summit will mark the first visit by a sitting US president to Turkey since Barack Obama in 2015. Trump and Erdogan are expected to hold a private meeting on the sidelines. Trump has indicated he will bring a "big gift" for Erdogan, likely related to advancing sales of F-35 jets and F110 jet engines to Turkey, despite US congressional opposition due to Turkey's 2019 purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems.

The US State Department reportedly took steps last week to push forward a $700 million deal for F110 engines, aiming to bypass congressional resistance. Erdogan and Trump have frequently communicated about regional issues including Syria, Gaza, and the broader Middle East. Erdogan also joined Trump's "Peace Council" intended to manage Gaza affairs and disarm Hamas. While Trump asked Erdogan to avoid involvement in a potential war with Iran, there is no indication Turkey plans to intervene.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had hoped for Trump's support to counter Turkish influence in Syria but instead faced Trump's public praise of Erdogan. Erdogan's frequent calls to Trump underscore their strong personal rapport, which continues to shape US-Turkey relations amid regional tensions.