Netanyahu Warns Erdogan Threatens Israel, Opposes F-35 Sale to Turkey

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke in a CNN interview about the complex regional tensions and Israel's relationship with the U.S. government. He strongly opposed the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, warning that such a move would "destroy the balance in the Middle East." Netanyahu emphasized, "I would not do it," referring to the sale.

Discussing U.S.-Turkey relations, Netanyahu noted that despite personal friendship between U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey under Erdogan is not a friendly state to the United States. He stated, "He (Erdogan) threatens to destroy my country!" Netanyahu described his own relationship with Trump as cooperative on major issues but acknowledged routine disagreements, saying, "On the big things, Trump and I see eye to eye, but I have routine disagreements with him."

Netanyahu's comments came shortly after a joint statement by Trump and Erdogan following their meeting at the NATO summit, held amid the Ukraine war and escalating Middle East tensions. Trump praised Erdogan as a "great and respected leader worldwide" and expressed willingness to proceed with the F-35 sale, citing Turkey's loyalty compared to other countries. When asked if he feared the sale, Trump said he did not.

The interview highlights the divergent views within the U.S.-Israel-Turkey triangle, with Netanyahu warning of security risks from Turkey's military empowerment, while the U.S. administration considers strategic ties with Ankara. The situation remains fluid as regional security dynamics evolve.