Israel PM: US considering F-35 sale to Turkey would "destroy" Middle East balance

(Central News Agency, Washington, 7th, Comprehensive Foreign News) After U.S. President Trump earlier stated he was considering selling F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move would "destroy" the power balance in the Middle East.

According to Agence France-Presse, Turkey was expelled from the F-35 development program in 2019 after insisting on purchasing an air defense missile system from Russia. Despite this, Trump stated he was considering selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.

Netanyahu told Cable News Network (CNN) in an interview: "This will destroy the power balance in the Middle East, because I believe Turkey has aggressive ambitions. When you give them that kind of power, you will see aggressive actions follow."

Turkey has long hoped to rejoin the F-35 program and expects Washington to lift sanctions; U.S. sanctions have already worsened bilateral relations and posed an obstacle to Turkey's defense plans.

Netanyahu had previously opposed the U.S. selling these fighter jets to Turkey, but Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is trying to leverage his good relationship with Trump to obtain the 5 fighter jets for which payment has already been made. (Compiled by Hong Qi-yuan) 1150708

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