Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he has spoken with Donald Trump multiple times about the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. He stated that regardless of President Trump's personal relationship with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, this does not make Turkey a friendly nation for America.
Netanyahu claimed the Turkish government is influenced by the Muslim Brotherhood, supports Hamas, and provides financial assistance to the group. He described Erdogan as not a model US ally, noting Turkey occupies half of Cyprus and has threatened Israel's destruction.
Netanyahu warned that selling F-35s to Turkey would disrupt the power balance in the Middle East, asserting Turkey harbors aggressive ambitions. He said Turkey is not a force for peace and stability, and providing such advanced capabilities would only increase aggressive behavior. If the decision were his, he would not proceed with the sale.