Netanyahu Sends Warning to Turkey Amid Potential US F-35 Sale

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a pointed message on Thursday, seemingly addressing the threat posed by Turkey and the possibility of the United States selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Netanyahu stated, "The war is not over. Alongside old challenges, new ones arise. Alliances form and fall. We are considering this and prepared for every scenario." He emphasized the necessity for Israel to remain stronger than its enemies, highlighting that maintaining Israel's air superiority is fundamental to national security and regional stability in the Middle East.

Defense Minister Israel Katz reinforced this stance, declaring that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are alert and ready to renew operations to regain air superiority and conduct blue-and-white strikes in Iran to remove threats, even if it requires multiple attempts. Katz also affirmed that the IDF remains stationed in security zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria and will not withdraw, underscoring Israel's right and duty to protect its citizens against jihadist enemies intent on destroying the state.

These statements come amid Netanyahu's public opposition to the potential sale of advanced F-35 jets to Turkey. He warned that transferring these aircraft or advanced engines to Ankara could destabilize the regional balance of power and undermine Israel's air dominance. Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated a willingness to reconsider the sale after lifting security sanctions imposed on Turkey following its purchase of the Russian S-400 defense system.