Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has renewed his sharp criticism of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, calling him unfit to receive U.S.-made F-35 stealth fighter jets. Speaking on Fox News on July 6, 2026, Netanyahu accused Erdoğan of openly threatening Israel’s destruction, illegally occupying half of Cyprus, and menacing Greece.
A Regional Power with Dangerous Leadership
While acknowledging Turkey as a major regional power, Netanyahu stressed that its leadership — under Erdoğan — poses serious security concerns. He described Erdoğan as leading a regime ‘infected’ by the Muslim Brotherhood, a group he said chants ‘Death to America.’
F-35s and Strategic Balance
Netanyahu warned that delivering F-35s — or even F110 engines for Turkey’s indigenous KAAN fighter program — would upset the military balance in the Middle East. That balance, he argued, is underpinned by Israel’s air superiority.
The remarks come amid renewed speculation about U.S. policy toward Turkey, following recent signals from former U.S. President Donald Trump — who is set to visit Ankara for the NATO summit — suggesting possible support for resuming arms sales and re-engaging Turkey in the F-35 program. The U.S. had previously suspended Turkey from the F-35 program in 2019 after Ankara’s purchase of Russia’s S-400 air defense system.