Trump Rejects Netanyahu's Opposition to F-35 Sales to Türkiye

President Donald Trump rejected efforts by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to block the sale of F-35 fighter jets and engines to Türkiye. Speaking aboard Air Force One on Monday, Trump described President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a friend and a tremendous ally, asserting that no one tells him what the United States should be selling. This disagreement follows the 2019 suspension of Türkiye from the F-35 program after Ankara purchased Russian S-400 missile systems.

The tension coincides with a scheduled White House meeting on Tuesday between Trump and Netanyahu. Ahead of the talks, Trump stated that Israel would not survive without the United States, signaling friction over military objectives. While Netanyahu favors a prolonged conflict to defeat Iran and its allies, Trump has pushed for a quicker resolution.

Trump also noted that the United States has been hitting Iran hard, leading Iranian officials to request new talks following a collapsed ceasefire. Despite acknowledging that Türkiye is not a big fan of Israel, Trump indicated he is considering restoring aircraft sales to Ankara, a move Erdoğan has characterized as a positive approach.