Nathan Eshel, a close associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said in a conversation with Mendy Atsraf that despite President Trump's recent statements, he does not believe F-35 fighter jets will ultimately reach Turkey. Eshel praised Trump as 'very sophisticated' and criticized the Israeli public for lacking gratitude toward both Netanyahu and Trump.
Earlier today, President Trump stated that Turkey will receive F-35 fighter jets, according to a report. Hours later, Nathan Eshel — a close associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — pushed back against the notion that the deal would actually close, telling journalist Mendy Atsraf that he does not believe the stealth fighters will ultimately reach Ankara.
Eshel characterized Trump as 'very sophisticated' and argued that despite past rhetoric and disagreements with Netanyahu, the outcomes have been positive for Israel. He also took aim at the Israeli public, accusing it of lacking gratitude toward both Netanyahu and Trump.
The comments come amid a rapid back-and-forth over the F-35 sale. On Tuesday, Trump appeared to reverse his earlier openness to the deal, warning that the aircraft would 'destroy the balance of power in the Middle East.' However, this morning's report suggests the administration is still moving forward.
Eshel's skepticism reflects a broader debate within Israeli political circles about the reliability of the Trump administration's signals on Turkey. The United States has not yet formally approved the sale, and Congress retains the ability to block it.
- DevelopingSegal: Turkey has not earned trust — F-35 sale to Erdogan endangers Israel's security
- StrongSecurity officials press Netanyahu to urgently speak with Trump over F-35 sale to Turkey
- StrongNetanyahu warns F-35 sale to Turkey would destroy regional balance of power
- StrongNetanyahu tells Fox News: Erdogan threatens Israel, Greece, Cyprus, destabilizes region; should not get F-35
Source and signal
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