Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on US President Donald Trump not to approve the sale of F-35 fighter jets and engines to Turkish aircraft, arguing that such a decision would upset the balance of power in the Middle East.
In an interview with Fox News, before Trump's departure for the NATO summit, Netanyahu stated that Ankara should not be equipped with advanced military technology.
"I don't think they should be given F-35 jets or engines for their fighter jets," he said.
The statements come after it was reported last month that Trump was willing to support the sale of F110 engines for Turkish KAAN fighter jets, as well as Turkey's return to the F-35 aircraft program.
According to Netanyahu, such an action would "disturb the balance of power in the Middle East," which, according to him, relies on Israel's air superiority and the United States' strategic presence in the region.
