Trump on Israel opposing F-35s to Turkey: ‘Nobody tells me what we should be selling’

US president said he would sell fighter jets to Ankara, which has become a regional adversary of Israel, though State Dept said last week Turkey not eligible to buy them The post Trump on Netanyahu opposing F-35s to Turkey: ‘Nobody tells me what we should be selling’ appeared first on The Times of Israel. US President Donald Trump has made clear that the decision on whether to sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey rests solely with him. Speaking aboard Air Force One on July 27, 2026, Trump responded to a reporter’s question about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s open opposition to the potential sale: “Nobody tells me what we should or shouldn’t sell.

Turkey has been a good ally.” Trump acknowledged that Ankara “is not a big fan” of Israel or Netanyahu, but stressed that bilateral cooperation between the United States and Turkey remains strong.Advertising1 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The comments come just days after the US State Department formally notified Congress that Turkey has not met the legal conditions required under American law for any possible transfer of F-35 aircraft. As a result, official US policy on the issue remains unchanged. This position is detailed in a letter from the State Department’s Bureau of Legislative Affairs to Democratic Congressman Wesley Bell.

The letter, prepared after Bell’s inquiry to President Trump regarding US-Turkey relations, CAATSA sanctions, the F-35 program, and Turkey’s ties to Hamas, states that any future transfer of F-35 jets would require Turkey’s full compliance with all applicable US legal requirements. The White House directed the State Department to respond on the president’s behalf. Key takeaways: Trump asserts personal authority over F-35 sales decisions Affirms Turkey as a valuable NATO ally despite tensions with Israel State Department confirms Turkey still does not meet legal criteria for F-35 reinstatement US policy on the program remains unchanged Related tags: Donald Trump, F-35, Turkey, Netanyahu, US foreign policy, NATO, State Department Advertising1 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Trump on F-35 Sales to Turkey: “Nobody Dictates What I Sell – Turkey Is a Good Ally” appeared first on Greek City Times.