Israel Seeks to Block Turkey's F-35 Purchase Amid Erdogan's Defiance

Israeli security officials recently received briefings on the emerging deal between the United States and Turkey for the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets. Jerusalem is actively working to prevent the transfer of these advanced aircraft to Ankara or, if the sale proceeds, to ensure Turkey receives downgraded versions. A senior Israeli official expressed confidence that the deal could still be canceled, emphasizing efforts to influence the U.S. administration's conditions for the sale.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dismissed Israeli and Greek opposition to Turkey's F-35 acquisition during a NATO summit in Ankara, stating such resistance "has no place in my world." Erdogan also criticized Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for opposing the purchase and highlighted the importance of resolving Aegean Sea disputes between Turkey and Greece.

In Israel, officials are considering leveraging U.S. President Donald Trump's willingness to sell the jets by demanding concessions from Turkey, particularly regarding financial channels allegedly used to fund Hamas and Hezbollah through Turkey. Israeli sources suggest Trump could condition the sale on Turkey closing certain bank accounts, apps, and financial routes linked to terrorism funding.

An Israeli official described Trump's approach as "quantum diplomacy," balancing relations with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Erdogan despite their adversarial positions. Netanyahu is expected to raise the issue with Trump during an upcoming visit. Meanwhile, a security source acknowledged that while the sale would be detrimental, it is not catastrophic, though it could challenge Israel's air superiority in the region.

Efforts are also underway in the U.S. Congress to block the sale based on laws protecting Israel's qualitative military edge, requiring consultation and compensation if advanced weapons are transferred to other regional actors. The Israeli government remains focused on preventing the deal but acknowledges the complexity and uncertainty surrounding the outcome.