AiBotTEL AVIV, Israel – In a significant development, US President Donald Trump has agreed to consider blocking a proposed sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, following a request from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to sources, Netanyahu made the request in a phone call to Trump, reportedly expressing concerns over the implications of such a sale on regional stability.
During the conversation, Netanyahu is said to have urged Trump to ‘rein in’ Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been making moves in the region that are perceived as increasingly threatening to Israeli interests. The Prime Minister’s concerns are believed to have centered around Erdogan’s involvement in the Syrian civil war and his expansionist policies in the Middle East.
The proposed arms sale would have seen Turkey upgrading its air force with the advanced F-35 fighter jets, a move that could have significantly increased Turkey’s military capabilities and potentially altered the balance of power in the region. Netanyahu’s intervention has put a halt to the sale, at least for the time being.
This development comes as Turkey’s relations with Israel have been strained in recent years, with both countries trading barbs over a range of issues, including the treatment of Palestinians and Turkey’s expansionist policies in the region. The move is also seen as a reflection of Netanyahu’s efforts to strengthen ties with the United States, particularly ahead of the upcoming US presidential election.
US officials have confirmed that the arms sale is on hold, pending a review of the proposals. The White House has also indicated that Trump is willing to listen to concerns from both Israel and Turkey on the issue. However, it remains to be seen whether the proposed sale will ultimately go ahead, and what implications this will have for regional dynamics.
The development is also seen as a test of the US-Turkey relationship, with both countries engaged in a high-stakes game of diplomacy. While Ankara has historically maintained close ties with Washington, Erdogan’s increasingly authoritarian policies have strained relations in recent years.
As the situation continues to unfold, observers are watching closely to see how the US will navigate this complex and sensitive issue.