A senior Israeli official told Breitbart News that selling F-35A Lightning IIs to Türkiye would endanger Israel and said Congress must act to stop it.
A report in US-based Breitbart News, known for its pro-Israel stance, has revealed Israel’s behind-the-scenes efforts to prevent Türkiye from acquiring the F-35A Lightning II.
The Lockheed Martin F-35, known as the Adir in Israeli service, is the most advanced US warplane. Israel used it in the recent 12-Day War with Iran.
The Israeli official expressed concern over Türkiye’s regional ambitions, including alleged aims to revive Ottoman influence and control Jerusalem.
The official said that while Israel would prefer to avoid direct conflict, it was prepared to act if Türkiye’s actions escalated further.
He urged the US Congress to block any F-35 sales to Türkiye, stressing that the aircraft could shift the balance in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Although both countries opposed Syria’s Assad regime, the official claimed Türkiye’s military presence in Syria now poses a strategic threat to Israel.
He added that while Israel values its ties with the US, a possible sale of F-35s to Türkiye risks destabilising the regional military balance.
President Trump’s positive ties with Erdoğan may complicate efforts to block the sale, the official noted.
US Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack recently said the issue of Türkiye’s F-35 exclusion was nearing resolution, fuelling further concern in Tel Aviv.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly urged Trump not to sell F-35s to Türkiye during a March visit. Germany’s subsequent decision to block Eurofighter sales to Türkiye was seen by Greek media as coordinated with Tel Aviv.
Previously, Germany had lifted its own embargo on Eurofighter sales to Saudi Arabia in deference to Israeli security interests.
Author: Özgür Ekşi
