Israeli Ambassador Opposes F-35 Sale to Turkey but Respects US Decision

Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, expressed opposition to the potential sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey, stating that Jerusalem does not believe Turkey should possess these advanced aircraft. Speaking at a meeting with the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, Leiter emphasized that while Israel opposes the sale, it respects any decision made by the US administration. He acknowledged that the US government must consider a broader range of strategic factors when making such decisions.

Leiter also addressed a recent statement by US Deputy Secretary of State Jay D. Evans, who said that "the US is Israel's only remaining ally." Leiter disagreed with this characterization, suggesting he would have phrased it differently and stating simply that he believes the statement is inaccurate.