DID Press: A diplomatic battle between Israel and Turkey over the possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Ankara has intensified during the NATO summit, placing the United States in a difficult position between pressure from Tel Aviv and Congress on one side and efforts to preserve strategic ties with Turkey on the other.
Repeated requests by Benjamin Netanyahu to Donald Trump to block the sale of F-35 aircraft to Turkey have become a new source of strategic tension between Ankara and Tel Aviv.
Turkey, which was previously removed from the F-35 program, continues to seek a return to the project. However, political opposition in the United States, particularly from Congress, has created significant obstacles to any potential agreement.
One of the main concerns raised by Washington is Turkey’s continued possession of the Russian S-400 air defense system, which the United States considers incompatible with the security requirements of the F-35 program.
Meanwhile, Trump, who maintains close relations with both Turkish and Israeli leaders, faces a complex challenge in balancing strategic relations with Ankara while addressing Israel’s security concerns.
Analysts say the F-35 dispute has moved beyond a military contract and has become a symbol of competing influence within NATO’s security structure and the broader regional balance of power.