Full Breakdown
Netanyahu Seeks to Block U.S. F-35 Sale to Turkey Ahead of Trump’s Ankara NATO Summit
7/7/2026, 11:08:45 AM
Diplomatic Initiative Before the Ankara Summit
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing a high-level meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, followed by a planned visit to the NATO summit in Ankara. In two consecutive Fox News interviews, Netanyahu framed the talks as an effort to “re-build trust” after the recent Iran war and to ensure Israel’s security red lines are heard before renewed U.S.–Iran negotiations. Central to his agenda is opposition to any U.S. transfer of F-35 fighter jets or engines to Turkey, which he argues would “upset the power balance in the Middle East.”
Context: Iran Negotiations, Israel-U.S. Coordination, and Turkey’s F-35 Bid
The United States is finalising a memorandum of understanding with Iran that would halt hostilities but does not require Tehran to relinquish its nuclear program. Israeli officials view a permanent U.S.–Iran deal as unlikely and stress the need for close coordination should negotiations fail. Turkey, removed from the F-35 program in 2020 after acquiring Russia’s S-400 system, is now the subject of renewed U.S. consideration; two sources said Trump is expected to “throw his support behind” the sale during his Ankara visit, pending a legal review of Turkey’s compliance.
Principal Actors
- Benjamin Netanyahu – Israeli Prime Minister, leading the diplomatic push.
- Donald Trump – U.S. President, slated to meet both Netanyahu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan – Turkish President, seeking restoration of F-35 cooperation.
- JD Vance – U.S. Vice President, overseeing the compliance review.
- Pete Hegseth – U.S. Secretary of Defense, involved in the review process.
- Hakan Fidan – Turkish Foreign Minister, emphasizing “strong political will” to lift sanctions.
Official Statements & Responses
Netanyahu repeatedly emphasized that he and Trump “see eye to eye on just about everything,” while asserting that Israel will “present its position” on Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza before any U.S.–Iran talks. He warned that granting F-35s to Turkey would threaten regional stability. The White House confirmed that Trump will meet Erdogan and that a review of Turkey’s adherence to U.S. law is underway. Reuters reported that Trump is likely to support the sale, describing it as a “gift” that would “make them very happy.” Turkish officials have signaled readiness to resume the program if legal hurdles are cleared.
Criticism & Opposition
Turkey’s leadership argues that the F-35 sale is essential for its “strategic partnership” with the United States, despite ongoing concerns about the S-400 system. Erdogan warned Israel that attempts to “dynamite” the U.S.–Iran agreement would be closely monitored. In the United States, several members of Congress from both parties have voiced opposition to the sale, citing security risks to the aircraft.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources diverge on Trump’s stance: Reuters insiders say he is poised to back the sale, whereas Netanyahu’s public remarks suggest Trump “knows who’s the boss” and that their relationship remains “fine.” Additionally, Trump’s expletive-laden tirade toward Netanyahu, reported by the Daily Beast, contrasts with his later claim of a harmonious partnership. No definitive date has been set for Netanyahu’s Washington meeting, and the final outcome of the compliance review remains undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “America has been a tremendous force for good, and without America, there won’t be any democracy in the world, and there won’t be any freedom in the world,” — Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel
- “I don't think they should be given F-35s or the engines for their fighter jets because that will upset the balance of power in the Middle East.” — Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel
- “We get along great. Netanyahu knows who’s the boss,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “What the f--- are you doing?” — Donald Trump, President of the United States (phone call with Netanyahu)
- “I'm going to probably do something that will make them very happy.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States (on potential Turkish gifts)
What’s Next
Netanyahu is expected to travel to Washington within days of Trump’s return from the NATO summit, where a meeting will be arranged at his request. The outcome of the U.S. compliance review will determine whether the F-35 sale proceeds, while Israel will continue to lobby for a hard-line stance on Iran and regional proxies during the same diplomatic window.
