U.S. Defense Secretary Cancels Israel Visit Amid Tensions Over Possible F-35 Sale to Türkiye

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has canceled a planned visit to Israel, where discussions were expected to include the possibility of selling F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye. The issue has raised concerns in Jerusalem, as Israel views its exclusive regional access to the fifth-generation aircraft as a key component of its military edge.

Visit Canceled as F-35 Issue Gains Attention

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth canceled his scheduled visit to Israel, where he had been expected to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz. According to reports, one of the main topics of the planned meetings was the possibility of future U.S. sales of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye.

Hegseth is currently accompanying President Donald Trump at the NATO summit in Ankara, where regional security and defense cooperation remain major topics of discussion.

Trump Leaves the Door Open

Following his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President Trump said the question of supplying F-35 aircraft to Türkiye remains a decision for the United States. He also noted the strong relationship between Washington and Ankara, suggesting that many would ask why such a sale should not move forward.

Israel's Security Concerns

Israel is currently the only country in the Middle East operating the F-35, giving the Israeli Air Force a significant technological advantage in the region. Israeli officials have expressed concern that providing the same aircraft to Türkiye could weaken Israel's qualitative military edge.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly stated that he raised his opposition to any potential F-35 sale to Türkiye during discussions with President Trump. Relations between Netanyahu and President Erdoğan have remained strained, particularly following Erdoğan's repeated criticism of Israel during the war against Hamas.

Background

Türkiye was removed from the multinational F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing the Russian-made S-400 air defense system, triggering U.S. sanctions and ending Ankara's participation in the program. Any future sale would represent a major shift in U.S. policy and is likely to remain closely watched by both Israel and NATO allies.