Trump Defies Netanyahu to Approve F-35 Sale to Turkey

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the United States will proceed with selling advanced F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, a decision made despite strenuous objections from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The move marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding military exports and challenges long-standing security concerns held by Washington's key ally in the Middle East.

Speaking at a press briefing on July 28, 2026, President Trump emphasized Turkey's strategic value to American interests as the primary driver for the approval. "Turkey has been a tremendous ally," Trump stated, asserting that no foreign leader dictates U.S. arms sales policy. He explicitly addressed Netanyahu's opposition, declaring that nobody tells him what weapons systems the United States should sell.

The proposed sale involves the transfer of fifth-generation stealth aircraft to the Turkish Air Force, which had previously been excluded from the F-35 program following a 2019 dispute over Turkey's acquisition of Russian air defense systems. The decision reverses years of diplomatic friction and signals a renewed prioritization of bilateral relations between Washington and Ankara.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has long argued that equipping Turkey with F-35s poses an unacceptable risk to Israel's qualitative military edge in the region. Israeli officials have warned that the technology could be compromised or used against regional interests, leading to intense lobbying efforts within the U.S. administration to block the deal prior to Monday's announcement.

The White House has not detailed the specific terms of the agreement, including the number of aircraft involved or the projected timeline for delivery. However, defense officials indicate that negotiations regarding logistics and maintenance support are expected to begin immediately following the official notification to Congress required by law.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the announcement as a victory for national sovereignty and a testament to the enduring strength of NATO partnerships. "This decision restores Turkey's rightful place among nations equipped with top-tier defense capabilities," an office statement read shortly after Trump's remarks.

The sale has sparked immediate debate within U.S. legislative circles, where lawmakers from both parties are evaluating the geopolitical implications. Critics argue that ignoring Israeli security concerns could destabilize regional alliances, while proponents suggest it strengthens NATO cohesion by integrating Turkey more fully into Western defense architectures.

As of Monday evening, no formal contract had been signed, and the final approval remains subject to congressional review processes scheduled for later this year. The administration faces potential hurdles in securing funding authorization if opposition lawmakers challenge the strategic rationale behind the sale. Questions remain regarding how Israel will respond diplomatically and whether other regional partners might seek similar exemptions from current export restrictions.