Israel Voices Opposition to Potential U.S. F-35 Sales to Turkey, Citing Security Risks

Israel's ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, has expressed strong reservations about the possible sale of advanced American F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey, highlighting ongoing security worries. In contrast, he indicated minimal concerns regarding a comparable deal with Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to The Jerusalem Post, Leiter argued that providing Ankara with these cutting-edge jets would prove "unhelpful in the current climate." He pointed to Israel's discomfort with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, labeling him as "aggressive and confrontational." That said, Leiter recognized Turkey's vital role as a major NATO ally, boasting substantial armed forces and a pivotal location bridging Europe and the Middle East.

The ambassador noted that Jerusalem appreciates the U.S. interest in bolstering its alliance with Turkey and is committed to fostering a "pragmatic and workable" partnership. This approach would weigh Israel's defense priorities against Turkey's contributions to broader Western interests. He firmly stated, however, that Israel would reject any Turkish military presence in Gaza or Syria—a stance, he added, that Washington holds in high regard.

Leiter downplayed any alarms about prospective U.S. arms agreements with Saudi Arabia, asserting there are "no signs" that such transactions would undermine Israel's superior military capabilities in the region.