Israel Opposes US F-35 Sale to Turkey as Defense Talks Intensify

Israel has voiced strong opposition to the United States' reported plans to consider selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, with the issue expected to be a key topic during talks between U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The possible sale comes as Washington looks to improve its defense ties with Turkey while continuing its close security partnership with Israel. Israeli leaders believe supplying Turkey with the advanced fighter jets could upset the Middle East security balance and weaken Israel's strategic advantage.

According to a source familiar with the discussions, Hegseth was expected to meet Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz to discuss a range of regional security issues, including Iran and the reported F-35 deal.

• Israel opposes proposed US F-35 fighter jet sale to Turkey over security concerns
• F-35 deal with Turkey raises fresh Middle East security tensions for Israel
• US weighs Turkey F-35 sale as Israel warns of regional security risks

Before the meeting, Netanyahu made it clear that Israel does not support the proposed sale. Speaking in a television interview, he said he had already raised the matter directly with U.S. President Donald Trump. Netanyahu warned that providing Turkey with F-35 fighter jets could change the balance of power in the region, particularly at a time when tensions remain high.

Relations between Israel and Turkey have been strained in recent years, mainly over the Gaza war and differences on regional issues. Israeli officials are concerned that strengthening Turkey's air force with one of the world's most advanced fighter aircraft could pose new security challenges in the future.

US Seeks Stronger Ties with Turkey

The discussions come shortly after Trump announced at the NATO summit in Ankara that his administration would lift sanctions imposed on Turkey over its purchase of the S-400 missile defense system. He also said the United States would consider bringing Turkey back into the F-35 program, although any decision would still require overcoming legal and political hurdles.

Turkey was removed from the multinational F-35 program in 2019 after buying the Russian-made S-400 system. At the time, Washington argued that operating both systems together could expose sensitive information about the F-35's technology. The United States also imposed sanctions under the CAATSA sanctions framework.

Although relations between Washington and Ankara have improved in recent months, the possible sale remains a sensitive issue. Several members of the U.S. Congress have previously opposed supplying F-35 aircraft to Turkey, pointing to ongoing security concerns and Ankara's continued possession of the Russian missile system.

The planned meeting between Hegseth and Israeli leaders highlights the challenge facing the United States as it works to strengthen ties with Turkey, an important NATO ally, without affecting its long-standing commitment to Israel's military edge.

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With regional tensions remaining high and defense cooperation under close scrutiny, the outcome of the talks could influence future U.S. policy in the Middle East and shape relations among the United States, Israel, and Turkey.