Netanyahu Says Giving Turkey F-35s Would Shift Middle East Power Balance
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is urging President Donald Trump not to restore Turkey's access to the U.S.-led F-35 fighter jet program, arguing that doing so would threaten regional security and strengthen aโฆ
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is urging President Donald Trump not to restore Turkey's access to the U.S.-led F-35 fighter jet program, arguing that doing so would threaten regional security and strengthen a government hostile to Israel.
According to Fox News, speaking Monday ahead of President Trump's expected participation in this week's NATO summit in Ankara, Netanyahu said Turkey should not receive either F-35 fighter jets or the engines used in advanced aircraft because of the policies of President Recep Tayyip Erdoฤan's government.
"For a regime infected by the Muslim Brotherhood, an extreme movement that hates America and chants 'Death to America,' from that side of the spectrum, I don't think they should be given F-35s or the engines for their fighter jets," Netanyahu said.
He added that such a move could "upset the power balance in the Middle East."
Turkey was removed from the F-35 program after purchasing the Russian-made S-400 air defense system, a decision that prompted U.S. concerns about the security of the stealth fighter's technology.
President Trump has recently indicated he is open to reconsidering Turkey's participation.
Netanyahu argued that Israel's military advantage in the region, combined with the U.S. presence, has helped maintain stability. He said restoring Turkey's access to the advanced aircraft would put that balance at risk.
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The Israeli prime minister also pointed to Erdoฤan's repeated criticism of Israel, Turkey's support for Hamas, and Ankara's tensions with fellow NATO member Greece as reasons to deny the country access to the fighter jets.
"[Turkey] is governed by a man who calls openly for the annihilation of Israel," Netanyahu said. "He's threatening Greece, another NATO country, and he talks openly about conquering Jerusalem."
He also criticized comments made by Turkish officials, saying, "His foreign minister... said that the Jewish state hasn't a place among humanity. Basically, it has to be wiped out. His interior minister, he said he looks forward to be the governor of Jerusalem."
Netanyahu also warned that Iran remains committed to anti-American and anti-Israel policies despite recent military losses. He cited chants of "Death to Trump" and "Death to America" heard during the funeral of senior Iranian commanders killed in recent strikes.
"They are not America's friend, and we should not let them have nuclear weapons or the means to deliver them... this is a battle of freedom versus fanaticism," Netanyahu said.
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