A source posted Tuesday afternoon that the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey is appearing almost as a fait accompli, with a final decision expected soon. The statement aligns with weeks of growing signals from the Trump administration, reportedly facing slim congressional opposition.
A source close to the developments posted Tuesday afternoon that the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey is appearing almost as a fait accompli, with a final decision expected very soon. The statement represents the latest and most definitive signal in a day of rapid-fire reports, suggesting the administration is close to pushing the deal through.
Earlier Tuesday, a series of reports emerged in quick succession: The Zioneer first reported that Trump flew to Turkey on a Qatari aircraft to advance the sale (08:36 Jerusalem); then that Trump was expected to formally inform President Erdogan of his intent to sell (08:36); followed by reports from Amit Segal (N12) that Trump was expected to support the sale during his visit (08:36); political commentator Sraya Harush reported growing Israeli concern (08:36); and finally, Prime Minister Netanyahu warned that the move threatens Israel's air superiority (08:36).
As The Zioneer reported on June 25, Trump said he would likely approve the sale, calling Ankara a "strong" NATO member. Vice President Vance later said the same day that further legal review was needed. Congressional critics in both parties have voiced opposition, but analysts assessed the chance of blocking the deal as slim. Israel's diplomatic campaign to prevent the sale has intensified (July 6), with former Israeli Air Force officials warning that the deal would erode Israel's near-total air dominance in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The final approval still requires formal steps — including a congressional notification period — and the source's identity remains anonymous. But the language suggests the administration is close to a final decision, with the main outstanding question being the timing of the announcement.
6 developments
- DevelopingVance says US may sell F-35s to Turkey, needs legal review
- StrongTrump says he will likely approve F-35 and engine sale to Turkey
- DevelopingCongressional critics and slim chances to block F-35 and engine sale to Turkey
- DevelopingAnalysis: Erdogan's window for F-35s is now, deal appears increasingly realistic
Source and signal
- Internal intake