Media: US lawmakers move to block F-35 sales to Türkiye over Hamas ties

US lawmakers are pushing a series of amendments to the 2026 National Defence Authorization Act (NDAA) aimed at halting arms sales to Türkiye, including the transfer of F-35 fighter jets, citing Ankara’s ties to Hamas and its broader regional activities.

The bipartisan effort, spearheaded by Republican Gus Bilirakis and Democrat Brad Schneider, seeks to prevent any F-35 sales unless the White House certifies that Türkiye is not “materially supporting Hamas or any of its affiliates.” The amendment also demands that Türkiye not engage in “military threats to Israel” or cooperate militarily—including through drone sales—with adversaries such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, Middle East Eye reports.

A separate proposal requires the State, Defence, and Treasury Departments to conduct detailed investigations into whether Türkiye is “harboring members or the financial assets of Hamas, its affiliates, or other designated foreign terrorist organizations,” and whether Hamas officials are “present in Türkiye or operating in its territory or areas under its effective control.”

These efforts come amid growing tension between Türkiye and Israel, US allies who are increasingly at odds over Syria, Gaza, and relations with Hamas. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has publicly hosted Hamas political officials, raising alarms in Washington.

Middle East Eye reported earlier this year that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had lobbied US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to block F-35 sales to Türkiye, raising the issue in multiple conversations.

The proposed restrictions also reflect a broader congressional push to reassert oversight on arms exports. A separate amendment aims to officially include Türkiye under the Arms Export Control Act, potentially complicating future military deals.

Türkiye was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after it acquired Russia’s S-400 missile defence system. Rejoining the program requires Ankara to give up the S-400s—something it has so far refused to do.

While Congress is taking a hard line, the Trump administration has taken a more conciliatory stance. Tom Barrack, US ambassador to Türkiye and Middle East envoy, defended Ankara’s role, saying, “They’ve actually really helped us in having a point of conversation with Hamas, although they get criticised for it.”

Barrack also acknowledged Türkiye's reasons for purchasing the S-400 after the US denied Patriot missile sales, saying, “What is that end? A negotiation and a discussion of saying how can we turn back on that clock.”

The amendments, if passed, would mark a significant shift in US policy toward a key NATO ally.

By Vafa Guliyeva