Former Israeli Air Force Chief Warns Turkey's NATO Alliances More Concerning Than F-35 Deal

Eitan Ben Eliyahu, former commander of the Israeli Air Force, downplayed concerns over the potential F-35 fighter jet deal between the United States and Turkey. Speaking on 103fm, he emphasized that while the F-35 is an advanced stealth aircraft, the real issue lies in the strategic alliances Turkey is forging with Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, which challenge the regional balance alongside Iran. Ben Eliyahu noted that the F-35 is not the most maneuverable fighter jet, with the F-16 outperforming it in agility and the F-15 carrying heavier payloads. However, he acknowledged the F-35's sophisticated electronics and its ability to integrate effectively into NATO's combat operations.

He reassured that Israel is capable of countering the new threat posed by Turkey's acquisition of the F-35, both electronically and professionally, although it does raise the alert level. Ben Eliyahu highlighted the significance of Turkey's evolving relationship with the United States and NATO, pointing out that the U.S. supplies engines and upgrade options for Turkey's F-16 fleet, which is a critical factor in the alliance.

Regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent comments to CNN expressing concern over the deal, Ben Eliyahu understood the political necessity but cautioned against overreacting to the F-35 purchase itself. He argued that the emerging regional alliances are a far more serious challenge than the aircraft deal, and that the F-35's importance is diminished without these broader geopolitical shifts. The former air force chief urged placing the issue in proper perspective, focusing on the new dynamics between the U.S. and Turkey rather than the fighter jet alone.