Netanyahu calls on Trump to block Turkey from acquiring F-35s and engines due to security risks

Prime Minister Netanyahu condemns Iran and highlights US-Israel partnership

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized Iran’s regime, specifically referencing the “Death to America” chants at a funeral and the deaths of around 40,000 people attributed to the government. He underscored the significance of the US-Israel alliance in addressing perceived threats from Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Additionally, Netanyahu accused Turkey of backing Hamas and endangering NATO allies.

During a press conference, Netanyahu expressed his concerns to President Donald Trump about President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s antagonism toward Israel and other nations, describing it as a serious security threat to NATO countries. He urged Trump not to allow Turkey to obtain US-made F-35 fighter jets.

“A regime influenced by the Muslim Brotherhood, which openly declares hostility toward America, shouldn’t be receiving F-35s or jet engines,” he stated, cautioning that such a decision might upset the balance of power in the Middle East.

Netanyahu’s comments were made in anticipation of Trump’s participation in the NATO summit in Ankara this week. The debate regarding Turkey’s role in the F-35 program is ongoing, particularly after its removal from the program following its acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile defense system.

He further asserted that security in the region relies heavily on Israel’s air superiority and the US military presence. He cautioned that arming Turkey could compromise this crucial balance.

Israeli officials pointed to Erdogan’s threats against Israel and support for Hamas as reasons why advanced military technology should not be shared with Turkey. “Look, this is a country whose leader threatens the destruction of Israel,” Netanyahu noted, adding that Erdogan has also made threats against Greece, another NATO ally.

Concerning Iran, Netanyahu reiterated that the country remains committed to its anti-American and anti-Israel ideologies, despite recent military challenges. He cited examples of “Death to Trump” and “Death to America” chants during a funeral for a high-ranking commander killed in an airstrike as evidence of this ongoing hostility.

In his closing remarks, Netanyahu stressed, “They aren’t friends of America. It’s essential that they don’t acquire nuclear weapons or the means to use them… This is a struggle between freedom and fanaticism.”