Netanyahu urges Trump to block Turkish access to F-35 Jets and fighter engines

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged US President Donald Trump not to approve the sale of advanced American military equipment to Turkey, arguing that providing Ankara with F-35 fighter jets or engines for its indigenous KAAN fighter would alter the regional balance of power.

According to Axios and Israel’s Channel 12, Netanyahu raised the issue during a phone call with Trump on Friday. The reports state that Netanyahu asked the United States to refrain from supplying Turkey with weapons systems intended to modernize the Turkish Air Force.

The issue comes ahead of Trump’s visit to Turkey for the NATO leaders’ summit in Ankara, where he is expected to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Among the topics expected to be discussed are a reported $700 million agreement for the sale of F110 fighter jet engines manufactured by General Electric and the possibility of Turkey’s return to the F-35 program.

Israeli and US officials quoted in the reports said Netanyahu expressed concern over statements by Erdoğan and other Turkish officials regarding Israel.

In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu argued that Turkey “does not deserve” to receive F-35 fighter jets or engines for its domestically developed KAAN fighter aircraft.

“Turkey is a wonderful country, but it is led by someone who openly calls for the destruction of Israel, namely Erdoğan,” Netanyahu said.

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He also claimed that providing Turkey with such capabilities would undermine Israel’s military advantage and destabilize the regional balance of power.

During the interview, Netanyahu asserted that Erdoğan “occupies half of Cyprus,” referring to the Turkish-controlled northern part of the island. However, Netanyahu incorrectly described Cyprus as a NATO member; Cyprus is not a member of the alliance.

According to Axios, it remains unclear how much influence Netanyahu’s request will have in Washington, given Trump’s relationship with Erdoğan and broader US economic and strategic interests.

One US official quoted in the report said, “Netanyahu put forward a request, and the president listened to him,” adding that Trump might encourage Erdoğan to moderate some of his public rhetoric regarding Israel.

Turkey is seeking to purchase F110 engines for its domestically developed fifth-generation KAAN fighter aircraft while also pursuing a return to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program.

Ankara was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing the Russian S-400 air defence system, a decision that prompted US sanctions and ended Turkey’s participation in the multinational fighter program.

Although Trump previously indicated he was open to improving defence cooperation with Turkey, any move to readmit Ankara to the F-35 program or approve certain military sales would require congressional approval.

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