F-35 Tensions at NATO Summit: Israel Reacts to Turkey

The NATO Summit in Ankara has brought to the fore concerns in Israel over the rapprochement between Turkey and the United States. According to an analysis published by Al-Monitor, a senior Israeli security source described the competition between Turkey and Israel as a 'regional hegemony race.' The source stated that Turkey is far ahead of Israel in this race and that the gap appears insurmountable. The analysis noted that U.S. President Donald Trump's favorable view of selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey has caused serious discomfort in Israel. Trump told journalists that they have established a better relationship with Turkey and that the sale of F-35s could be considered. Israel opposes this move, arguing that it would threaten its air superiority in the region. The report also highlighted Israel's concerns over the potential sale of U.S.-made F110 engines for Turkey's KAAN fighter jet program. It recalled Trump's statement on June 24 that he would come to Ankara with a 'big gift basket.' According to an Israeli source, Netanyahu allegedly requested Trump to block the F-35 sale during a tense phone call. The analysis included a comment from a senior Israeli diplomat, who said that Erdogan aims to make Turkey one of the most influential members of NATO and wants to shape a new NATO vision where Israel is seen not as an asset but as a burden in the region. The diplomat noted that Netanyahu discussed this issue at length with Trump. With Netanyahu trailing in opinion polls ahead of the elections at the end of October, it was stated that he would be considered a failure if the F-35 sale goes through. The Israeli diplomat assessed, 'If Turkey is readmitted to the F-35 production program, it would mean Netanyahu has failed.' This is not investment advice.