Netanyahu Warns Against US F-35 Jet Sale to Turkey, Citing Regional Instability Risks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposed former US President Donald Trump's consideration to revisit the ban on selling advanced F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. In an interview with CNN, Netanyahu described such a sale as a dangerous move that would disrupt the regional balance of power in the Middle East. He highlighted Turkey's aggressive ambitions, warning that Ankara openly seeks to restore the Ottoman Empire's former territories, which historically included parts of Syria, Jordan, modern-day Israel, and Gulf states.

Netanyahu's remarks followed Trump's statements earlier that day, in which he called the US and Turkey "great friends" and suggested Turkey could become a better ally than others. Trump indicated he might lift the previous restrictions on the F-35 deal. Netanyahu cautioned the US administration against being misled by Turkey's diplomatic gestures, emphasizing that the Turkish regime is radical and that empowering it would inevitably lead to increased aggression rather than peace and stability.

He concluded by urging the US not to proceed with the sale, stating, "I would not do it," underscoring the potential threat such a move poses to the Middle East's security landscape.