Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sat down with CNN on Tuesday and addressed regional tensions and the complex relationship with the American administration. At the center of his remarks was the issue of selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey—a move Netanyahu firmly opposes. “Supplying F-35s to Turkey is destroying the balance in the Middle East. I wouldn’t do it,” he said.
1+Netanyahu expanded on the relationship between Washington and Ankara, noting that the personal rapport between the leaders doesn’t reflect a strategic alliance. “I think everyone understands that despite the personal friendship President Trump has with Erdoğan, that doesn’t make Turkey a friendly country to the United States. On the contrary… he (Erdoğan) is threatening to destroy my country!”
Regarding his relationship with President Donald Trump, Netanyahu painted a complex picture of cooperation alongside disagreements. “On the big things—Trump and I see eye to eye. It’s too early to say what will happen with Iran,” he said, adding: “I have disagreements with Trump on a routine basis.”
1+Netanyahu’s comments came against the backdrop of a joint statement earlier Tuesday by President Trump and Turkish President Erdoğan following their meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit, held amid the war in Ukraine, escalating tensions in the Middle East, and efforts to reshape global security arrangements.
During the statement, Trump praised the Turkish president: “You are a great leader, respected all over the world. We have good chemistry.” He also addressed the F-35 sale to Turkey, saying: “That’s a decision we’re going to make. Why wouldn’t we do it? Turkey has been more loyal than other countries. It’s something we’re considering.” When later asked if he was concerned about a possible sale of the jets to Turkey, he said he was not concerned.