Netanyahu to Lobby Against F-35 Jet Shipments to Ankara
In a Fox News interview on Monday, Netanyahu brushed aside rumors of a diplomatic rift regarding the US-Iran memorandum of understanding and ongoing military actions in Lebanon. The prime minister lauded the United States as a global force for democracy, emphasizing that he and Trump see eye to eye on nearly every strategic front.
The remarks come as some Israeli cabinet members criticize Washington's regional ceasefire framework. Tensions persist on the ground as Israel refuses to withdraw from Lebanon, claiming a continuous right to preempt threats, illustrated by a recent strike in southern Lebanon that killed four civilians, including a teacher.
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Addressing an upcoming visit to the US, Netanyahu revealed a key diplomatic objective: blocking the transfer of F-35 fighter jets and engines to Ankara. He argued that supplying advanced aviation hardware to Turkiye would disrupt the regional balance of power, which he maintains relies heavily on Israeli air superiority.
The geopolitical friction intensifies ahead of Trump's scheduled visit to Ankara for a NATO summit later this week. In response to Israeli rhetoric, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned against attempts to sabotage the US-Iran deal, cautioning that the Israeli administration must not be allowed to further destabilize the region.