Israel and Greece Oppose U.S. Sale of F-35 Jets to Turkey, Erdogan Refutes
[Global Network Report] According to reports from the "Israel Times" and the "Today Turkey" website, Turkish President Erdogan spoke out on the 8th local time to refute the objections raised by Israel and Greece regarding the potential sale of F-35 stealth fighters by the United States to Turkey.
The "Israel Times" stated that Erdogan, at the closing press conference of the NATO summit, said that the objections raised by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis "have no place in my world."
Reports indicate that the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement on the 7th, refuting Israel's concerns about Turkey potentially acquiring F-35 fighters. "Israeli officials have recently organized and deliberately spread baseless accusations, which are part of a disinformation campaign." The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs also called on Israel to pursue a constructive peace policy.
For some time, relations between Turkey and Israel have been tense, especially after the resurgence of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in 2023, which has further deteriorated their relationship. Turkey has repeatedly condemned Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip and supported the International Criminal Court's issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. On the eve of the NATO summit in Ankara, Netanyahu called on the United States on July 6 not to sell F-35 stealth fighters to Turkey, nor to sell U.S.-made engines compatible with Turkey's domestic stealth fighter, arguing that doing so would threaten Israel's air superiority in the Middle East.
Both Turkey and Greece are NATO member countries, but the two nations have long-standing differences on a series of issues, including territory, ethnic minorities, and illegal immigration. According to the Israeli "Jerusalem Post," Greece is concerned that the potential sale of F-35 stealth fighters to Turkey could disrupt the military balance in the Aegean region.
Turkey's President Erdogan rebuts objections from Israel and Greece regarding the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets by the U.S. to Turkey. He stated that the concerns raised by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis are unfounded. The Turkish Foreign Ministry also rejected Israel's worries, labeling them as part of a disinformation campaign. Tensions between Turkey and Israel have increased, particularly following the resurgence of the Israel-Palestine conflict in 2023.
- Turkey's President Erdogan dismissed objections from Israel and Greece regarding the F-35 sale.
- The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement rejecting Israel's concerns about the F-35.
- Tensions between Turkey and Israel have escalated due to the recent Israel-Palestine conflict.
- Greece expressed concerns that the F-35 sale could disrupt military balance in the Aegean region.
- Erdogan stated that the objections from Netanyahu and Mitsotakis have no place in his world.