Political commentator Sraya Harush, speaking in a security-policy interview, said that both the political and defense echelons in Israel fear a scenario in which Turkey receives F-35 stealth fighters. He stressed Israel will do everything it can to prevent it, but that even if Ankara does obtain the jets, Israel's qualitative edge will remain intact due to unique systems and capabilities.
Political commentator Sraya Harush said in an interview published Sunday that Israel's political and defense leadership fears Turkey may receive F-35 stealth fighter jets from the United States, a scenario he described as a significant concern for Jerusalem. 'We will do everything in our power to prevent it,' Harush stated. 'Even if they get them, the advantage will remain ours thanks to unique systems and capabilities that only we have.'
The remarks follow a growing public discussion in Israel over a reported renewed push by the Trump administration to sell F-35s to Ankara. As The Zioneer reported earlier Sunday, Harush said the issue is expected to be raised during the upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump. A bipartisan group of U.S. House lawmakers also recently urged Secretary of State Rubio and Defense Secretary Hegseth to block the sale, citing risks from Turkey's Russian S-400 system and threats to Israel's Qualitative Military Edge.
Multiple Israeli analysts have warned that even with restrictions, an F-35 sale would erode Israel's near-total air superiority in the eastern Mediterranean. Harush's comments represent one of the most direct on-record warnings from a figure close to the Israeli political establishment.
- StrongReport: Israeli officials concerned Trump will approve F-35 sale to Turkey
- DevelopingFormer Israeli Air Force official urges government to block potential US F-35 sale to Turkey
- StrongAnalysis: Trump's renewed push for F-35 sale to Turkey threatens Israel's air supremacy in the Mediterranean
- DevelopingUS House lawmakers urge Rubio and Hegseth to block F-35 sale to Turkey over S-400 concerns
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