Israeli Minister Warns Turkish Military Attack on Israel Is Possible Amid F-35 Deal Talks

Israeli Minister Amichai Shikli from the Likud party stated in a Thursday interview on Kan News that a scenario in which Turkey would take military action against Israel is "definitely possible." His remarks come amid ongoing negotiations between Turkey and the United States over the purchase of American F-35 fighter jets. Shikli also criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's close relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, calling it "very problematic" for both Israel and NATO.

Shikli highlighted the severity of hostile rhetoric from Turkish officials, citing Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's statement that Israel is a burden on humanity as a very serious declaration. Despite the tensions, Shikli viewed Trump's consideration of selling F-35 jets to Turkey as a diplomatic achievement for Israel, noting that no formal commitment to deliver the jets has been made. He credited Prime Minister Netanyahu, along with Greece and Cyprus, for strongly opposing the sale.

The article recalls Netanyahu's criticism of Turkey in an American media interview, describing Turkey as "not a model U.S. ally" and "unstable." It also notes that Turkey's harsh rhetoric against Israel is not new but has intensified recently, with unprecedented statements about intentions toward Jerusalem and actions similar to those in Syria. The article references the broader context of Turkey and Syria attempting to integrate into regional trade routes amid these tensions.