Lead

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the United States not to provide Turkey with F-35 fighter jets, warning that such a move could upset the regional balance of power and threaten Israel's air superiority. His comments come as US President Donald Trump heads to Ankara for this week's NATO summit, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to press for renewed access to the F-35 program and relief from US sanctions.

Coverage Comparison

The Jerusalem Post reported on Netanyahu's remarks across multiple articles, offering additional context. In one report, Netanyahu, speaking on Fox & Friends, described Turkey as "a great country" but accused Erdogan of calling for Israel's annihilation, occupying part of Cyprus, threatening Greece, backing Hamas, and allowing the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood to shape Turkish policy. He emphasized that the balance of power in the Middle East is ultimately protected by Israel's air superiority and America's posture in the region.

In a separate article, the Post detailed that Netanyahu spoke to CNN on Tuesday regarding the F-35 sale, shortly after Trump discussed it with Erdogan at a press conference in Ankara. Netanyahu told CNN that he had spoken to Trump about his concerns that the sale could disrupt the balance of power. When probed on his disagreement with Trump, he emphasized that the US and Israel remain close allies but "even allies can have differences." He asserted that the two leaders see eye to eye on "big things," including giving Iran the chance to resolve issues regarding its nuclear program through negotiation.

Another Jerusalem Post article, an editorial, provided further background, noting that Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after buying Russia's S-400 air-defense system, which Washington said could compromise the aircraft's stealth technology. The editorial also highlighted Erdogan's record, including his characterization of Hamas as "a liberation group," calling Israel a "terror state," comparing Netanyahu to Hitler, and saying Turkey could "enter Israel" as it had entered Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh. In March 2025, during Eid al-Fitr remarks, he prayed that "Zionist Israel" be "destroyed and devastated."

Key Claims

  • Netanyahu warned that selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey would disrupt the regional balance of power and threaten Israeli air superiority.
  • Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing Russia's S-400 air-defense system.
  • US President Donald Trump discussed the F-35 sale with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a press conference in Ankara.
  • Erdogan has called for Israel's annihilation and made anti-Semitic and anti-Western statements.
  • Turkey has hosted Hamas headquarters since 2012, according to a Jerusalem Post editorial.
  • Erdogan has occupied part of Cyprus and threatened Greece, as noted in the same editorial.
  • The US plans to ship 80 engines to Turkey worth over $700 million for Turkey's homegrown fighter jet, as reported by the Jerusalem Post editorial.
  • The EU is seeking economic and energy contracts with Turkey, including roles in overland energy networks, according to the editorial.
  • Turkey is scheduled to host NATO leaders in Ankara next week.
  • Erdogan has led a Turkish invasion of Jerusalem, a claim made in the Jerusalem Post editorial.