Trump Netanyahu F-35 tensions reportedly increased after US President Donald Trump reacted angrily to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s public criticism of a proposed American sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkiye. According to an Axios report citing White House officials, the disagreement has added to growing strains between Washington and Tel Aviv.
The report said Trump was upset by remarks Netanyahu made during a Fox News interview shortly before the US president traveled to Ankara for the NATO summit held on July 7 and 8. One White House official claimed Trump believed the Israeli prime minister should not interfere in US decisions regarding the proposed fighter jet sale.
According to the report, Netanyahu has been seeking a meeting with Trump for more than two weeks. However, White House officials said no meeting had been scheduled despite media reports suggesting the two leaders would meet in Washington.
Israeli media had reported that Netanyahu planned to travel to the United States to attend the funeral of late Senator Lindsey Graham and hold talks with Trump. However, the visit was postponed after Graham’s funeral service was delayed, according to a statement from Netanyahu’s office.
Axios quoted White House officials as saying Netanyahu appeared eager to secure a meeting, but none had been placed on the president’s official schedule. The officials also indicated that future talks have not been ruled out when Netanyahu eventually visits Washington.
The reported diplomatic friction comes amid broader disagreements between the Trump administration and the Israeli government over policy toward Iran. Washington has recently increased diplomatic engagement while military tensions continue across the region.
The report follows comments by US Vice President JD Vance, who suggested that some members of the Israeli government were attempting to undermine Washington’s diplomatic efforts with Tehran. Neither the White House nor Netanyahu’s office immediately commented publicly on the latest report.
