Netanyahu Opposes Turkey's Return to F-35 Program Ahead of Trump's NATO Summit Attendance

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argued on July 6 (local time) that Turkey should not be allowed to return to the U.S. F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jet program.

In an interview with Fox News that day, Prime Minister Netanyahu described the Turkish regime as one influenced by the Muslim Brotherhood, which he called an extremist movement that hates the United States and chants "Death to America." He stated, "They should not be provided with Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II or engines for their fighter jets."

Although Turkey is a member of NATO, the U.S.-led Western military alliance, it fell out with the United States after acquiring Russian S-400 air defense missiles in 2019.

At the time, the United States expelled Turkey from the F-35 fighter development program under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack mentioned in December of last year that "the United States continues to consult with Turkey regarding its interest in rejoining the F-35 program and the issue of Turkey's possession of the Russian S-400 air defense system."

Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that if Turkey were to return to the F-35 program, it would "upset the balance of power in the Middle East," adding that this balance is "ultimately guaranteed by Israel's air superiority and also by the United States' strategic posture in the Middle East."

Israel is concerned that if neighboring Middle Eastern countries such as Turkey or Saudi Arabia acquire the F-35, its own air power advantage in the region could be compromised.

Israel is currently the only country in the Middle East to possess the F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter, with 45 aircraft in operation.

Targeting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Netanyahu pointed out that Turkey is "ruled by a man who openly calls for the annihilation of Israel," adding, "He is occupying half of Cyprus, a NATO member. He is threatening Greece, another NATO member."

He further added, "He also speaks openly about conquering Jerusalem (which Israel considers its capital). His foreign minister, the number two in the regime, said that 'the Jewish state has no place in human society,' and his interior minister said he looks forward to becoming the governor of Jerusalem."

Prime Minister Netanyahu's remarks came ahead of President Donald Trump's attendance at the annual NATO summit held in the Turkish capital of Ankara from July 7 to 8.

Regarding the friction with President Trump over Israel's offensive against Hezbollah, a pro-Iranian militant group in Lebanon, during the war with Iran, Prime Minister Netanyahu replied, "We agree on almost everything."

However, he added, "There can be differences of opinion. We usually talk about them candidly," noting that "(President Trump) has his way of expressing things, and I have my way of expressing things."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.