Netanyahu Urges Trump to Block US Arms Sales to Turkey Amid Rising Tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested US President Donald Trump to prevent arms sales to Turkey that would upgrade the Turkish Air Force. This request came during a phone call on July 6, 2026, amid escalating anti-Israel rhetoric from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his senior officials. Netanyahu expressed concern over Erdogan’s statements, including labeling Zionism as a "genocide ideology" and calling Israel a global problem, which he views as threatening Israel and NATO allies.

The US is considering re-admitting Turkey into the F-35 fighter jet procurement program and is negotiating a $700 million deal to sell new engines for Turkey’s combat aircraft. Despite Turkey’s possession of Russian S-400 air defense systems, the Pentagon is reviewing how to proceed with the F-35 sales to Turkey, following directives from President Trump. Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed the ongoing evaluation to ensure compliance with US law.

Netanyahu criticized Turkey’s support for extremist groups and warned that providing Turkey with advanced fighter jets or engines would disrupt the military balance in the Middle East, which currently favors Israel’s air superiority. A senior US official indicated that Trump might urge Erdogan to tone down his hostile rhetoric during their upcoming meeting in Ankara at the NATO summit. Both the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office and the White House declined to comment on the matter.

The developments come as Trump maintains a close relationship with Erdogan, positioning Turkey as a key US regional ally and mediator, while Netanyahu’s influence in Washington has waned due to tensions over Iran. The situation underscores the complex dynamics between Israel, Turkey, and the US amid shifting alliances and regional security concerns.