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A senior Israeli official called on the U.S. Congress to block sales of F-35 Lightning fighter jets to Türkiye, telling Breitbart News Wednesday that Türkiye's regional vision and military objectives pose a long-term threat to Israeli security.
The official said it was necessary for Congress to prevent F-35 sales to prevent aggression toward Israel, raising concerns about the remote but growing possibility of military clashes with Türkiye.
The official referenced Türkiye's alleged goal of "restoring the Ottoman Empire," including claims over Jerusalem, which Israel considers its capital. "This presents a growing possibility of military clashes," the Israeli source claimed.
"US Congress could block F-35 sales to Türkiye, and Israel hoped it would do so," the official told Breitbart News. "Israel would act to block Türkiye if necessary, but would prefer to avoid conflict," source added.
"Israel was weary of war and did not want to see an escalation with Türkiye. But it had acted to thwart Turkish aims in Syria," the Israeli official added.
Türkiye was removed from the F-35 program after acquiring the Russian S-400 missile defense system. The U.S. also imposed sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) in 2020.
U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack recently suggested that Congress could approve F-35 sales.
During a press briefing at the Foreign Press Center in New York on July 11, U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack commented on the situation: "This has been a long story for almost a decade coming to an end. What is that end? A negotiation and a discussion of saying, how can we turn back the clock?"
"F-35 is something that Congress has to look at and approve in its entirety, separate from CAATSA. Those discussions are going on simultaneously with all the other discussions,” Barrack said.
Speaking to reporters after returning from a visit to Azerbaijan, President Erdogan expressed optimism about the eventual delivery of F-35s. "We expect the gradual delivery of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye during Trump's term," he said, adding that the issue goes beyond defense technology and touches on "strong partnerships within NATO."
"The F-35 issue is not just about military technology for Türkiye but also about strong partnerships on global platforms, especially NATO," Erdogan said. Erdogan also noted that Türkiye poses no threat to any country "that does not adopt a hostile stance or challenge its interests."
In 2020, the United States imposed CAATSA against Türkiye's Presidency of Defense Industries and senior officials over Ankara's acquisition of Russia's S-400 missile defense system.
The move also led to Türkiye's removal from the F-35 fighter jet program, where it had been both a buyer and manufacturer.
Türkiye has consistently labeled the sanctions "unjust," arguing that its NATO membership and regional security role should shield it from such measures. Ankara has demanded reinstatement in the F-35 program or compensation for its financial contributions.
Although Türkiye remains excluded from the F-35 program, it continues to express interest in re-joining or receiving compensation for its financial contributions. In parallel, Ankara is exploring alternatives such as acquiring Eurofighter Typhoons and investing in domestic military technologies.
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