Netanyahu urges Trump not to sell US weapons systems to Türkiye

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked US President Donald Trump not to sell American weapons systems to Türkiye, Israeli broadcaster N12 reports. 

According to US and Israeli officials cited by the outlet, Netanyahu pointed to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and what he described as Ankara’s anti-Israel stance when making the request.

“Netanyahu made the request, and the president listened,” a senior US official was quoted as saying.

The report said that Netanyahu told Trump that access to US weapons systems, particularly F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, could significantly enhance Türkiye’s air force capabilities.

Trump is expected to travel to Türkiye soon for talks with Erdoğan and NATO representatives in Ankara. Among the issues expected to be discussed at the summit are a proposed $700 million deal for the sale of engines for Turkish fighter aircraft and the possibility of Türkiye rejoining the F-35 procurement program, according to the broadcaster.

By Jeyhun Aghazada