Exclusive: Netanyahu tells CNN he opposes US sale of F-35 jets to Turkey as he downplays divisions with Trump
Exclusive: Netanyahu Blocks F-35 Sale to Turkey
Exclusive – In an Exclusive interview with CNN, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed his firm opposition to the United States selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. The announcement comes as President Donald Trump weighs the possibility of lifting his previous ban on the aircraft transfer to Ankara.
Regional Power Balance at Stake
Netanyahu cautioned that handing over Washington’s most advanced combat planes would not automatically transform Turkey into a dependable American partner. He described the Turkish leadership as fundamentally hostile toward the United States, largely because of its connections with the Muslim Brotherhood movement.
“He’s not exactly a model ally of the United States,” Netanyahu stated regarding Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The Israeli leader emphasized that Erdogan’s government poses a threat to Israel’s existence. “He threatens to destroy my country, the one and only Jewish state,” he added.
Trump’s Turkey Visit and Diplomatic Tensions
During his Exclusive conversation, Netanyahu stressed that providing Turkey with F-35 capabilities could upset the delicate regional equilibrium. “This is not a force for peace and stability. When you give them that power, you’re going to see aggression in its wake,” he warned.
Trump is currently attending the NATO summit in Turkey and appears receptive to reversing his earlier decision. The American president has praised Turkey as an “extraordinary” partner. Despite this openness, Netanyahu urged Trump directly against proceeding with the sale.
Downplaying Differences with Trump
While acknowledging some disagreements, Netanyahu worked to minimize any rift between himself and the US president. In this Exclusive discussion, he insisted that both leaders share common ground on crucial issues. “He’s the President of the United States. He does what is good for the United States,” Netanyahu explained.
The Israeli prime minister noted that his own priorities often align with American interests. “I’m the Prime Minister of Israel, I do what is what is important for Israel, and most of the time these things are identical,” he said.
Iran Deal and Domestic Politics
Netanyahu also addressed the recent Iran ceasefire agreement during the Exclusive interview. He expressed cautious optimism about Trump’s diplomatic approach. “The president believes that he can stop Iran’s nuclear program, and he believes he can do it through negotiations. I have my doubts, but I think he should be given the chance, and he’s trying to achieve that,” Netanyahu remarked.
The prime minister further criticized Democratic lawmakers, particularly New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Representative Haley Stevens. He dismissed their positions as “ridiculous” and “absurd,” arguing that Israel remains “100 times better than these dictatorships and these horrible, horrible tyrannies that Mamdani and his supporters support.”
Regarding settler violence in the West Bank, Netanyahu indicated that more information would emerge soon. “It’s too early to say what will happen,” he concluded, signaling that the situation remains fluid as diplomatic efforts continue on multiple fronts.
