Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said Turkey’s current government should not receive America’s most advanced fighter jets or fighter jet engines. He argued that Israel’s military advantage in the region is important for both Israeli and American security.
Netanyahu said Turkey is led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom he accused of openly threatening Israel and supporting extremist groups. He warned that giving Turkey more advanced military technology could strengthen a government that has become increasingly hostile toward Israel.
His comments come after reports that the Trump administration is considering selling more than $700 million worth of fighter jet engines to Turkey and could eventually allow the country back into the F-35 fighter jet program.
Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing Russia’s S-400 missile defense system, a move that violated US defense requirements.
Despite the disagreement over Turkey, Netanyahu said Israel and President Donald Trump continue to have a strong relationship and work closely together on major security issues.
He added that while the two leaders occasionally disagree, they remain close allies committed to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.