Netanyahu warns US could 'destroy' Mideast power balance as Trump floats F-35 jet sale to Turkey
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced his willingness to sell Turkey F-35 fighter jets, a move which is likely to face strong resistance in Congress and which Israeli Prime Minister said woul
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced his willingness to sell Turkey F-35 fighter jets, a move which is likely to face strong resistance in C
Read Full Story at France 24 โWhy This Matters
The potential sale of F-35 jets to Turkey represents a seismic shift in Middle East defense dynamics, where Israel has long relied on its regional military superiority. The move could erode Israel's strategic edge while complicating Washington's delicate balancing act between NATO allies and regional security partners. More broadly, it signals a possible fracture in U.S.-Israel defense cooperation, a cornerstone of American foreign policy in the region for decades.
Background Context
Turkey's military has been a long-standing NATO member despite its increasingly independent foreign policy under Recep Tayyip Erdoฤan, who has sought to diversify arms suppliers beyond the West. The F-35 deal would reverse a 2019 U.S. decision to block Turkey's participation in the program over its acquisition of Russian S-400 missile systems, a move that strained Ankara's ties with Washington. Israel, meanwhile, has viewed Turkey's regional ambitions with deep suspicion, particularly regarding its support for Hamas and warming ties with Iran-backed groups.
What Happens Next
Congress is poised to scrutinize the proposed sale aggressively, with bipartisan opposition likely given Turkey's recent actions against U.S. interests in Syria and its authoritarian drift under Erdoฤan. Israel may lobby for veto power over such arms transfers or push for compensating security assurances, while Ankara could accelerate its pivot toward Moscow or Tehran if the deal stalls. The timingโamid a U.S. election yearโadds another layer of uncertainty to the outcome.
Bigger Picture
This dispute highlights the erosion of consensus in the U.S.-Middle East defense architecture, where traditional alliances are increasingly strained by geopolitical rivalries. It also underscores Turkey's role as a wildcard in regional security, leveraging its NATO membership for leverage while pursuing divergent interests. For Israel, the episode reinforces the fragility of its security partnerships and the need to hedge against potential U.S. policy shifts in a rapidly evolving strategic landscape.
