Netanyahu Urges Trump to Block US Arms Sales to Turkey Amid Rising Tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested during a phone call with US President Donald Trump that the United States refrain from selling advanced weapons systems to Turkey that would upgrade its air force. This appeal comes amid escalating anti-Israel rhetoric from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his senior officials. Netanyahu expressed concern that such arms sales, including potential reintegration of Turkey into the F-35 fighter jet procurement program and a $700 million deal for new fighter jet engines, could destabilize the military balance in the Middle East.

The tensions between Israel and Turkey have intensified over the past two years, particularly regarding conflicts in Gaza and Iran. Despite this, Trump maintains a close and friendly relationship with Erdogan, viewing Turkey as a key US ally and regional mediator. This dynamic complicates Netanyahu's influence in Washington, especially given the economic benefits the US might gain from arms sales to Turkey.

Ahead of Trump's visit to Turkey for a NATO summit in Ankara, discussions are underway about resuming Turkey's participation in the F-35 program, despite Turkey's acquisition of Russian S-400 air defense systems, which has raised legal and security concerns in the US. US Vice President J. D. Vance noted that the Pentagon is reviewing how to proceed with potential F-35 sales to Turkey while ensuring compliance with US law.

Netanyahu criticized Erdogan's recent statements, which included labeling Zionism as a "genocidal ideology" and calling Israel a burden on humanity, urging the international community to impose sanctions on Israel. An American official indicated that Trump might convey a message to Erdogan to tone down his rhetoric, reflecting Netanyahu's concerns. Both the Israeli Prime Minister's office and the White House declined to comment on the matter.

In a Fox & Friends interview, Netanyahu emphasized that Turkey's support for extremist groups and hostile stance toward Israel and NATO allies make it inappropriate to supply Turkey with advanced fighter jets or engines, as this could undermine Israel's air superiority and US interests in the region.