Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to halt F-35 sales to Turkey, according to multiple media reports. The request came during a phone conversation held ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, where Trump is expected to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Netanyahu argued that strengthening Turkey’s air force could affect the regional security balance in the Middle East.
The reported discussion focused on Washington’s possible defense cooperation with Turkey, including a proposed $700 million deal involving fighter jet engines and talks about Ankara’s potential return to the F-35 fighter jet program. Turkey was removed from the program in 2019 after acquiring the Russian S-400 air defense system, a move that raised security concerns within the United States.
According to officials familiar with the matter, Netanyahu referred to recent statements made by Turkish leaders criticizing Israel. He reportedly told Trump that Turkey’s increasingly confrontational rhetoric should be taken into account before any decision is made regarding advanced military equipment. The Israeli leader believes these developments could influence regional stability.
President Erdogan has recently intensified his criticism of Israel, while Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has also called for stronger international action against the Israeli government. These remarks have further strained already tense relations between the two countries and have become part of the broader diplomatic dispute surrounding the conflict in the region.
Netanyahu also reiterated his concerns during a television interview, claiming that providing advanced fighter aircraft or related technology to Turkey could weaken Israel’s long-standing qualitative military advantage. He argued that maintaining this balance remains important for regional deterrence and the broader security interests of U.S. allies.
A U.S. official familiar with the conversation reportedly said that President Trump listened to Netanyahu’s concerns. However, the official suggested that while Trump may encourage Erdogan to moderate his public remarks about Israel, significant changes to U.S. policy on defense cooperation with Turkey remain uncertain. No official announcement has yet been made regarding the proposed defense agreements.
The issue is expected to remain under close observation as NATO leaders gather for high-level discussions. Whether Washington moves forward with military cooperation or adopts a more cautious approach could influence regional diplomacy, defense partnerships, and future relations among the United States, Turkey, and Israel. The debate over F-35 sales is likely to remain a key topic in the coming weeks.
