Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he opposes the potential sale of American F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, although he emphasized that he does not consider this evidence of a rift with U.S. President Donald Trump. He said this in an interview with CNN, as reported by UNN.
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The statement came after Trump said he was ready to consider lifting the ban on the sale of fifth-generation fighter jets to Ankara. Netanyahu stated that he has already personally urged the U.S. president not to make such a decision.
According to the Israeli prime minister, the transfer of F-35s to Turkey could disrupt the balance of power in the Middle East. He also harshly criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
He is not exactly a model ally of the United States. He threatens to destroy my country, the only Jewish state
Netanyahu assures he does not have a conflict with Trump
Despite differing positions on the sale of aircraft, the Israeli prime minister stated that there are no serious contradictions between him and Trump.
He is the President of the United States. He does what is good for the United States. I am the Prime Minister of Israel, I do what is important for Israel, and most of the time these things are identical
Trump, who is in Turkey for the NATO summit, previously called Turkey an "extraordinary" ally of the United States and said he is ready to reconsider the decision to ban the sale of F-35s, which was imposed during his first presidential term.
Trump ready to lift ban on sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey - NYT07.07.26, 09:49