President Trump said he would consider selling F-35 stealth fighters to Turkey, according to a report by Israeli journalist Noam Amir. Amir assessed that the Israeli Air Force would retain its technological edge, but the move is concerning and would alter the regional balance of power.
President Trump said he would consider selling F-35 stealth fighters to Turkey, according to a report by Israeli journalist Noam Amir on Tuesday evening. The statement is the latest in a series of developments on the issue, which The Zioneer has covered throughout the day.
The day began with Trump signaling support for the sale during his visit to Ankara (The Zioneer, Tue 08:37 Jerusalem). At 16:17, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed the US had promised to sell Turkey five aircraft, and Trump responded that he had no concerns about the sale. Shortly after, Trump confirmed a US commitment to provide spare parts for Turkey's F-35s and called Turkey a 'wonderful ally' (The Zioneer, Tue 16:17 Jerusalem). Over the past week, Israeli officials have voiced strong opposition. Prime Minister Netanyahu told Fox News on Monday (Jul 6, 15:20 Jerusalem) that Erdogan threatens Israel, Greece, and Cyprus and should not receive F-35s. Security officials pressed Netanyahu to urgently speak with Trump (The Zioneer, Mon Jul 6, 22:28 Jerusalem).
The Zioneer has reported on the strategic stakes. Analyst Amit Segal argued Tuesday afternoon (16:52 Jerusalem) that Turkey has not earned the trust required for the sale and that it endangers Israel's security. An earlier analysis (Thu Jun 25, 15:49 Jerusalem) warned that the sale would erode Israel's air superiority in the Mediterranean.
Trump's statement is not a commitment; any sale would require congressional approval, and Israel's defense establishment is expected to continue lobbying against it. The timing and scope of any formal proposal remain unclear.
4 developments
- StrongAnalysis: Trump's renewed push for F-35 sale to Turkey threatens Israel's air supremacy in the Mediterranean
- StrongTrump says he will likely approve F-35 and engine sale to Turkey
- DevelopingVance says US may sell F-35s to Turkey, needs legal review
- DevelopingMark Levin blasts Trump over reported F-35 sale to Turkey
Source and signal
- Internal intake