Turkey's Military Power, the F-35 Fighter Jet, and America's Changing Policy: Trump-Erdogan Rapprochement Worries Israel

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 Pakistan Times | The Pakistan Times |

 Islamabad Times


A significant shift is taking place in US-Turkey relations, one that has the potential to reshape the balance of power in the Middle East. According to Israeli media and analysts, President Donald Trump's positive stance toward providing Turkey with advanced F-35 fighter jets has become a major source of concern for Israel. Israel fears that such a move would disrupt the delicate regional power balance, enabling Turkey to emerge as a more formidable military force and posing a strategic threat to Israeli interests.


This issue is not merely about arms sales; it reflects a major transformation in American foreign policy. Trump views Turkey as a key NATO ally and a stabilizing factor in the region, while Israel perceives Turkey as a growing rival that is expanding its influence through its support for Hamas, its maritime claims in the Eastern Mediterranean, and its increasingly harsh rhetoric against Israel.


Trump's Position: Bringing Turkey Back into the Fold


During a joint press conference with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on July 7, on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington, Trump announced that the US would lift sanctions on Turkey and decide on its return to the F-35 program. Trump stated that "in many ways, Turkey is more reliable than countries we once thought were more loyal to the US." He also acknowledged Turkey's role during the recent conflict with Iran, noting that Turkey had not joined the war against Iran, which started on February 28, 2026, following the martyrdom of Iran's former Supreme Leader.


Israel's Response: Concern and Opposition


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly opposed the move, telling Trump that he considers the sale a "balance of power destroyer" in the Middle East. Netanyahu stated: "I don't think they should be provided with F-35s or their engines, because that would shift the balance of power in the Middle East." He emphasized that this balance has been maintained through Israel's qualitative military edge and America's regional presence.


Israel views Turkey's stance under Erdogan's leadership as deeply antagonistic: Turkey supports Hamas, criticizes Israeli operations in Gaza and Lebanon, and issues increasingly harsh statements against Israel. Israel also sees Turkey as expanding its influence through maritime claims and energy projects in the Eastern Mediterranean, a vision it pursues under the concept of a "Blue Homeland."


US Law and Congressional Obstacles


However, Trump's path is not straightforward. To sell F-35s to Turkey, he must overcome a legal barrier established in 2020, when Turkey was removed from the program due to its purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system. Under current law, as long as Turkey retains the S-400, the F-35 sale cannot proceed.


Congress also strongly opposes the move. Eighteen members of Congress have signed a letter stating that the sale violates existing law and sanctions. They argue that Russia could gain access to F-35 technology through the S-400 system, posing a threat to all F-35 operators, including Israel.


Possible Compromise and the Way Forward


According to sources, a possible compromise could involve Turkey either transferring its S-400 system to a third country or rendering it inoperable. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has held meetings with Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz to discuss potential solutions and address Israeli concerns.


Conclusion


This situation reflects a major shift in US foreign policy, where maintaining Israel's regional supremacy is no longer the sole priority. Trump sees Turkey as a strategic partner that needs to be brought back into the fold, while Israel views it as a growing threat. In the coming months, this conflict could intensify, especially if Trump manages to push through the sale despite congressional opposition.


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