Netanyahu Warns Against Supplying F-35 Jets to Turkey, Highlights Iran Strikes

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an interview with American news network Newsmax, stated that Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran successfully prevented a nuclear crisis by disrupting Tehran's near-term capability to produce nuclear weapons. Netanyahu detailed that these preemptive attacks destroyed significant Iranian nuclear infrastructure, including centrifuges and related facilities, and eliminated 20 leading nuclear scientists, setting back Iran's program substantially. He likened the effort to removing a cancerous growth, warning that while the threat was diminished, it could return if left unchecked.

Netanyahu also expressed strong opposition to the potential U.S. sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. He cited Turkey's aggressive stance under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan toward Greece, ongoing occupation in northern Cyprus, and hostile rhetoric against Israel, including recent statements by Turkey's foreign minister denying Israel's legitimacy. Netanyahu warned that arming Turkey with such advanced weaponry could destabilize the region and threaten American citizens, especially if ballistic missiles equipped with nuclear warheads were involved.

Despite these disagreements, Netanyahu emphasized his strong personal and diplomatic relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, describing their alliance as transparent and based on mutual respect. He noted that while they agree on most issues, the F-35 sale to Turkey remains a significant point of contention.

Regarding the security situation in Gaza, Netanyahu reaffirmed that neither Israel nor the U.S. is willing to compromise with Hamas, which he described as unwilling to disarm and intent on maintaining authoritarian control over Gaza while continuing terrorist attacks against Israel. He credited the Israeli military for currently containing Hamas's capabilities.

Netanyahu's comments reflect ongoing regional security concerns involving Iran's nuclear ambitions, Turkey's military expansion, and the persistent threat from Hamas in Gaza, underscoring Israel's strategic priorities and its close coordination with the United States.