Exclusive: Netanyahu tells CNN he opposes US sale of F-35 jets to Turkey as he downplays divisions with Trump
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Exclusive: Netanyahu Stands Against F-35 Sale to Turkey
In an exclusive interview with CNN, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made his position clear—he opposes the proposed sale of American F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey. This exclusive revelation comes as Netanyahu works to downplay any growing divisions between himself and President Donald Trump, even while firmly opposing the potential arms deal.
The exclusive conversation revealed that Netanyahu believes transferring these advanced combat aircraft to Ankara could complicate rather than strengthen Turkey’s relationship with Washington. During this exclusive discussion, the Israeli leader characterized the Turkish government as being influenced by the Muslim Brotherhood, noting that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may not be the ideal partner for the United States.
“He threatens to destroy my country, the one and only Jewish state,” Netanyahu told CNN’s Dana Bash regarding Erdogan, in this exclusive revelation of his concerns.
Exclusive Details on Escalating Regional Tensions
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently told CNN Turk that Israel has transformed into “a burden that humanity can no longer bear.” In response, Israel’s foreign minister labeled those statements as “textbook incitement to genocide.” This exclusive report highlights how the disagreement between Israel and Turkey has been growing steadily.
Netanyahu emphasized that providing Turkey with advanced military capabilities could lead to increased regional instability. “This is not a force for peace and stability. When you give them that power, you’re going to see aggression in its wake,” he explained in this exclusive interview.
The Israeli prime minister stated that he personally appealed to Trump to reconsider the jet sale, warning on Tuesday that such a transaction would “destroy the power balance in the Middle East.” Meanwhile, Trump, who is currently visiting Turkey for the NATO summit, has signaled openness to reversing a prohibition on F-35 sales to Ankara that he implemented during his previous presidency. The American president has praised Turkey as an “extraordinary” ally.
Exclusive Insights on Netanyahu-Trump Relations
Despite recent comments from Trump suggesting that Netanyahu “knows who the boss is,” the Israeli leader insisted that both nations remain aligned on crucial matters. “He’s the President of the United States. He does what is good for the United States,” Netanyahu remarked. “I’m the Prime Minister of Israel, I do what is what is important for Israel, and most of the time these things are identical.”
Exclusive Analysis of Iran Ceasefire Position
Netanyahu, who previously criticized the Iran nuclear agreement under President Barack Obama, has yet to openly condemn the current truce between the United States and Iran. This arrangement concluded a conflict that Netanyahu had advocated continuing and removed long-standing restrictions on Iranian oil exports in return for securing access to the Strait of Hormuz.
The deal also outlines potential for hundreds of billions of dollars in additional sanctions relief if both parties establish a lasting peace. However, the agreement notably omits several key concerns that the US and Israel identified at the war’s outset in late-February, such as Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile development, proxy support, and highly enriched uranium reserves.
“It’s too early to say what will happen,” Netanyahu said regarding the ceasefire. “The president believes that he can stop Iran’s nuclear program, and he believes he can do it through negotiations. I have my doubts, but I think he should be given the chance, and he’s trying to achieve that.”
Exclusive Commentary on Democratic Lawmakers
Netanyahu adopted a more critical tone when discussing Democratic politicians and their diminishing enthusiasm for Israel. He specifically targeted New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who previously stated that while he supports Israel “as a state with equal rights,” he could not endorse “any state that privileges one religion over the other.” “It’s ridiculous, it’s absurd,” Netanyahu declared, noting that Israel remains “100 times better than these dictatorships and these horrible, horrible tyrannies that Mamdani and his supporters support.”
He also took issue with Rep. Haley Stevens, a Jewish Democrat seeking a Senate seat in Michigan, over her assertion that Netanyahu’s leadership has reduced safety for American Jews. “It’s made her uncomfortable because she can’t stand up for the truth,” he commented. “She’s trying to probably excuse antisemitism.”
When questioned about personal accountability for declining American support for Israel, Netanyahu rejected the notion, attributing the shift to social media influence.
Exclusive Update on Settler Violence
Addressing the recent increase in violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu characterized the incidents as isolated events that do not reflect the broader Israeli government’s position. He emphasized that Israel remains committed to maintaining order while protecting both Palestinian civilians and Israeli settlers alike.
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