Recep Tayyip Erdogan

The debate over the F-35 goes beyond the aircraft themselves. It concerns how the United States balances its relations with its two important allies in the eastern Mediterranean.

Israel watches Turkey’s rise with concern as F-35 talks, Hamas’s refusal to disarm and Iran’s uranium stockpile reshape the regional threat map.

It is critical to note that Iran is a multi-ethnic country, populated by Persians, Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Turks, Lors, Baloch, Ahvazis, and a variety of other ethnic groups. 

Along with urging the assassination of President Donald Trump, Iranian lawmakers called for the death of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In Trump’s view, Turkey may help stabilize the region, curb Russian influence and keep Ankara within the Western camp. Israel, however, cannot regard it as a normal Western ally.

Netanyahu told CNN that he had spoken to Trump about his concerns regarding the possibility that the sale could disrupt the balance of power in the region.

Although Greek officials are not commenting publicly on the potential F-35 deal, Greek reporter Vassilis Nedos said Athens has repeatedly communicated its concerns to successive US administrations.

Speaking alongside the US president, Turkey's Erdogan claimed he had been promised five of the jets and said he and Trump would discuss KAAN jet engines.

The report comes as Trump heads to Ankara for a NATO summit, where he is expected to meet Erdogan. The summit is set to begin on Tuesday evening.

For Israel, air superiority is not a luxury. If the US were to provide Turkey with F-35 fighter jets, Israel's security and the regional balance of power may face grave threats.