Trump Rejects Netanyahu’s Objection To US F-35 Jet Sales Plan For Turkey
Trump backs Turkey F-35 sales despite opposition
US President Donald Trump has dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's objections to a possible sale of American F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, saying no foreign leader can dictate US arms sales decisions. Trump's remarks came ahead of his scheduled meeting with Netanyahu at the White House, marking their first meeting since the beginning of the conflict with Iran on February 28, 2026. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday, Trump defended Washington's relationship with Ankara and described Turkey as an important partner. "Turkey has been a tremendous ally for me," he said, adding, "Nobody tells me what we should be selling."
His comments signalled that the US administration would make independent decisions regarding defence exports despite concerns raised by allies. Earlier, Netanyahu had publicly expressed opposition to the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. Israel has historically maintained close security ties with the United States and has been a key operator of the advanced aircraft in the Middle East. Concerns over maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge have often influenced discussions around US arms transfers in the region.
The proposed sale of F-35 aircraft to Turkey has been a sensitive issue due to longstanding tensions between Ankara and some of Washington's regional partners. Turkey was previously removed from the F-35 programme after purchasing Russia's S-400 missile defence system, which the United States argued created security risks for the advanced fighter jet programme. Trump's latest comments indicate a possible shift in Washington's approach towards defence cooperation with Turkey. The US President has previously maintained a close personal relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and has spoken positively about bilateral ties between the two countries.
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Netanyahu's upcoming White House meeting with Trump is expected to cover a range of regional security issues, including developments related to Iran and broader Middle East stability. The discussion is taking place amid heightened diplomatic activity following the conflict with Tehran and ongoing efforts to address regional security concerns. The F-35 issue could become another point of discussion between Washington and Jerusalem as both countries navigate their strategic priorities. While Israel remains one of the closest US allies in the region, Trump has indicated that American foreign policy decisions will also consider broader diplomatic and defence interests.
The possible sale of F-35 jets to Turkey would represent a significant development in Ankara's military modernisation efforts. The aircraft is considered one of the world's most advanced fighter platforms, featuring stealth capabilities, advanced sensors and networked combat systems. However, any final decision on the sale would require approval through the US defence export process and could face scrutiny from lawmakers and regional partners. The issue highlights the complex balance Washington faces in managing defence relationships with multiple allies while addressing competing security concerns in the Middle East.
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