Netanyahu warns US against F-35 sale to Turkey amid rising tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is urging the United States not to sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, warning it would "upset the power balance" in the Middle East. The push comes as US President Donald Trump prepares for a NATO summit in Ankara, where Turkey is expected to seek readmission to the F-35 program Source: CNA.

F-35 dispute

Netanyahu called Turkey "a regime that's infected with the Muslim Brotherhood" and argued that transferring advanced jets or engines would erode Israel's military edge Source: Foreign Policy. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly cancelled a planned visit to Israel after meetings in Ankara, where the F-35 sale was discussed Source: Ground News. Trump has been dismissive, claiming he personally persuaded Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan not to join Iran against Israel Source: Foreign Policy.

Iran assassination plot

In a separate development, Israel shared intelligence with the US about a new Iranian plot to assassinate Trump. CNN reports that the warning came this week, though some American officials view it as part of an Israeli effort to influence Trump's decision-making on Iran Source: CNN. Trump acknowledged the threats, saying he is on "every single one of their lists" Source: CNN.

Domestic and diplomatic pressures

Domestically, Netanyahu is racing to pass legislation, including a controversial bill exempting ultra-Orthodox students from military service, as the Knesset prepares to dissolve for an October election Source: CNA. Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused the coalition of prioritizing its survival over national security Source: CNA. Despite reports of tensions with Trump over the Iran ceasefire and Israeli actions in Lebanon, Netanyahu insisted their relationship is "fine" and that he will visit Washington soon Source: Al Jazeera.