Trump and Netanyahu Clash Over Turkey F-35 Deal
Trump reportedly opposed Netanyahu’s attempt to block a possible F-35 deal with Turkey, exposing new tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv.
Relations between the United States and Israel have entered another period of tension due to disagreements over the possible sale of American fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
According to Axios, citing sources, Donald Trump reacted negatively to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempt to oppose the potential renewal of the deal with Ankara. The report claims that the US president believed the Israeli leader had no right to interfere in a decision related to Washington’s arms policy.
The dispute was triggered by Netanyahu’s remarks on Fox News. The Israeli prime minister said that supplying Turkey with F-35 aircraft could undermine the existing balance of power in the Middle East and described Ankara’s intentions as aggressive.
Turkey was previously removed from the F-35 program after purchasing Russian S-400 air defense systems. However, the situation changed after a recent NATO summit, following which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Trump had shown a positive attitude toward a possible return of Ankara to the program.
Trump himself confirmed that he was considering restoring the deal with Turkey, although no final decision has been made. According to media reports, Netanyahu attempted to change the US president’s position during a phone call but instead triggered his strong dissatisfaction.
The dispute over F-35 deliveries has therefore become a new source of tension between Washington and Tel Aviv, highlighting differences between the two allies over the balance of power in the Middle East.