Netanyahu Warns F-35 Sale to Turkey Would Destabilize Middle East Balance

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CNN that selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey would disrupt the balance of power in the Middle East. He expressed concern over Turkey's aggressive ambitions, stating that Ankara openly aims to restore the Ottoman Empire, which historically included Syria, parts of Jordan, all of present-day Israel, and some Gulf states. Netanyahu warned that empowering such a regime, which he described as radical despite its occasional diplomatic gestures toward the United States, would inevitably lead to increased aggression. He concluded by saying he would oppose such a sale to prevent these consequences.