Trump Rejects Netanyahu’s Opposition to F-35 Sale for Turkey, Calls Ankara a ‘Tremendous Ally’
US President Donald Trump on Monday brushed aside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s objections to a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, saying decisions on US arms exports would be made by Washington alone.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “Nobody tells me what we should be selling,” while praising Turkey as a “tremendous ally” and describing it as a “very powerful country” with a strong military and advanced equipment.
Trump acknowledged that Turkey is “not a big fan” of either Israel or Netanyahu but added that Ankara “has been great for me.”
Netanyahu Opposes F-35 Deal
Trump’s remarks came as Netanyahu arrived in Washington for talks focused on regional security, Iran and bilateral ties.
In an interview with CNN, Netanyahu revealed that he had urged Trump not to approve the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey after the US president signalled he was considering lifting restrictions imposed during his first term.
Netanyahu argued that Turkey should not receive America’s most advanced fighter aircraft, saying the country was not acting as a reliable US ally.
Referring to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Israeli prime minister said he was “not a model ally” of the United States and accused him of threatening Israel.
“He threatens to destroy my country, the one and only Jewish state,” Netanyahu said.
The Israeli leader also claimed Turkey’s government was influenced by the Muslim Brotherhood and warned that supplying F-35 jets to Ankara would upset the military balance in the Middle East.
US Yet to Make Final Decision
The comments follow Trump’s indication that his administration will soon decide whether to allow the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey despite an existing congressional ban. He also said sanctions imposed on Ankara over its purchase of Russia’s S-400 air defence system would be lifted.
Describing the F-35 as “the best plane by far,” Trump said the proposed sale was “certainly something we will consider.”
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed confidence that Ankara is close to reaching an agreement with Washington for the purchase of F-35 fighter jets, along with US-made engines for Turkey’s indigenous KAAN fighter aircraft.
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