'Nobody tells me what we should be selling': Trump on Netanyahu's opposition to proposed F-35 jet deal
Washington, DC, July 28
US President Donald Trump on Monday pushed back on opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the potential sale of American F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, declaring that no external leader influences US arms sales.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump dismissed Netanyahu's reservations over arming Ankara, calling Turkey a "tremendous ally."
"Nobody tells me what we should be selling," Trump said. "Turkey has been a tremendous ally for me."
The US President's remarks come as Netanyahu arrived in Washington on Monday (local time) for high-level talks with Trump, placing regional security and the confrontation with Iran at the top of the bilateral agenda.
Earlier this month, Netanyahu had voiced strong opposition to the possible sale of US-made F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey, warning that such a move would alter the regional balance of power, CNN reported.
In an interview with CNN, Netanyahu said he had personally urged US President Donald Trump not to approve the sale, after Trump indicated he was considering reversing restrictions imposed during his first term.
"The sale of America's most advanced fighter aircraft 'doesn't make Turkey a friendly state to the United States,'" Netanyahu told CNN.
Referring to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he said Ankara is "a regime that's infected with the Muslim Brotherhood, which hates the United States."
"He's not exactly a model ally of the United States," Netanyahu said. "He threatens to destroy my country, the one and only Jewish state," he added, as reported by CNN.
Netanyahu further warned that supplying the aircraft to Turkey would have wider regional consequences.
Netanyahu added that he urged Trump directly not to sell the fighter jets to Turkey, as doing so would "destroy the power balance in the Middle East."
This came after Trump said that his administration will soon decide whether to sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey despite a congressional ban, while also announcing that sanctions imposed over Ankara's purchase of the Russian S-400 air defence system would be lifted, CNN reported.
"We have a better relationship with Turkey, and Turkey has been in many ways much more loyal than other countries that we think would be loyal," Trump said, arguing that many believe Turkey should be allowed to purchase the F-35 despite its acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 system.
Calling the F-35 "the best plane by far", Trump said the proposed sale was "certainly something we will consider."
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had indicated that Ankara believes it is close to securing a deal to purchase US-made F-35 fighter jets and American-made engines for Turkey's indigenous KAAN fighter aircraft, CNN reported.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Netanyahu has a point about power balance, but Trump is correct too - no foreign leader should dictate US policy. As an Indian, I see parallels with how we handle US-Israel-Russia ties. We buy weapons from everyone too! But selling F-35s to a country that hosts Russian S-400s? That's like giving your best phone to someone who already has a rival's charger - doesn't make sense. 🤔
Interesting dynamic. Turkey is a NATO member but Erdogan's government has drifted towards authoritarianism and Islamic solidarity that concerns both Israel and many in the West. From India's standpoint, we need to watch this carefully - if Turkey gets F-35s, it could affect the regional military balance that impacts our own security calculations with Pakistan and China. America's arms sales have ripple effects everywhere.
As an American living in India, this is fascinating. Trump loves transactional relationships, and Turkey has been a reliable buyer. But Netanyahu's warning about the Muslim Brotherhood influence is valid - Erdogan does export instability. India has its own issues with cross-border terrorism, so I get the security concerns. Ultimately, US should sell to whoever, but with strict conditions. No point arming potential adversaries. 🇮🇳🇺🇸
Honestly, this is a mess. Turkey buying F-35s while having S-400s is like having roast chicken in one hand and tandoori in the other - both are good but they don't mix! 🍗 The US Congress banned this sale for good reason. India knows the value of independent foreign policy, but this seems like Trump prioritizing personal relationships over strategic stability. Netanyahu's concerns are genuine - Erdogan doesn't hide his hostility towards Israel.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.