Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he does not believe the United States will approve any transfer of F-35 fifth-generation fighter jets to Turkey, warning that Israel would respond far more strongly to such a move than to Washington’s agreement to sell the aircraft to Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu made the remarks in an interview with the Telegram channel Abu Ali Express, in comments widely reported by Israeli and regional media.
“I understand that this possibility is very remote, if it even exists at all. Our position regarding the Saudi issue and the F-35, and Saudi Arabia is not a state of confrontation with us, would be that stance multiplied on steroids when it comes to selling F-35s to Turkey,” he said, describing Turkey a more serious threat than Saudia Arabia.
Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after taking delivery of the Russian S-400 defense system, which Washington said compromised NATO technologies. Ankara has since lobbied for reinstatement, arguing that its expulsion was unfair. The issue has resurfaced amid reports of renewed contacts between Ankara and Washington on fighter jet cooperation.
Netanyahu added that he had a detailed conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge (QME), a requirement under US law.
The comments came shortly after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited the White House on November 18, where President Donald Trump pointed out his intention to proceed with the sale of F-35s to Riyadh as part of a broader Strategic Defense Agreement.
Under the proposed package, Saudi Arabia — recently designated a major non-NATO ally — is expected to receive up to 48 F-35s over several years, along with other advanced equipment. US officials and Israeli sources say the Saudi jets would be delivered with downgraded capabilities compared with Israel’s F-35 fleet, in line with QME commitments.
Tensions over Gaza and regional security
The dispute comes as Turkey says it is prepared to take on responsibilities in the Gaza Strip, including the possibility of deploying troops if required following the agreement of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in October.
Ankara argues its involvement would prevent a security vacuum, but Israel has firmly rejected the proposal, citing Ankara’s ties to Hamas.
Israel has publicly opposed any Turkish military or political presence in Gaza and has lobbied in diplomatic channels to block Turkish participation in any multinational stabilization force.
Netanyahu’s remarks show ongoing tensions between Israel and Turkey over Gaza, Syria and other regional issues. Israeli officials have long voiced concern that an F-35-equipped Turkey could restrict Israel’s freedom of action in the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.
Legal and political barriers in the United States
Turkey cannot simply rejoin the program. Several US laws prevent any transfer of F-35 aircraft to Ankara. The Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) remains in force due to Turkey’s purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system, and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes annual provisions that block the delivery of F-35s unless the S-400 issue is resolved or the sanctions are lifted.
Any sale of advanced US military systems also requires congressional approval, giving lawmakers significant authority over the process at a time when both Israeli and Greek officials have voiced concerns about Turkey’s potential return to the program.
Washington has said any change would require a “clear and permanent” solution to the S-400 dispute. Ankara has rejected dismantling or transferring the system, leaving the issue unresolved.
