Erdogan Honoured by Trump and Putin, Why Is Netanyahu Afraid?

Recep Tayyip Erdogan now stands at a highly sensitive point on the world power map. In Ankara, US President Donald Trump rolled out the political red carpet for Turkey. In Moscow, Vladimir Putin still sees Erdogan as a trustworthy leader, despite their frequent disagreements. But in Jerusalem, Benjamin Netanyahu views Erdogan as a new strategic threat. The tension erupted at the NATO summit in Ankara. Reuters reported on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, that Trump stated he would lift sanctions on Turkey imposed over its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system. Trump also opened the door to the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Ankara. ‘We don’t want to sanction friends,’ Trump said, adding that he had no concerns regarding Turkey and that Washington-Ankara relations might be at their best point ever. At the same venue, Erdogan responded in a personal tone. According to the same Reuters report, Erdogan said Turkey had previously been promised five F-35 jets by the United States. ‘I know Mr Trump always keeps his promises,’ Erdogan said. The statement is significant because it illustrates that the Erdogan-Trump relationship is not merely a bond between two NATO nations, but a personal connection between two leaders who understand the language of power, transactions, and political loyalty. For Netanyahu, however, the possibility of F-35s returning to Turkey is no trivial matter. Reuters reported on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, that US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth cancelled a scheduled meeting with Netanyahu to discuss the potential F-35 sale to Turkey. In a CNN interview the previous Tuesday, Netanyahu stated his opposition to the sale and confirmed he had conveyed his objections to Trump. ‘It would destroy the balance of power in the Middle East because Turkey has aggressive aspirations,’ Netanyahu said, as reported by Reuters. This is where the meaning of Netanyahu’s ‘fear’ must be understood. It is not merely a personal dislike of Erdogan, but Israel’s strategic anxiety over a shift in the region’s air power, military, and diplomatic balance. For decades, Israel has relied heavily on its military superiority in the region. If Turkey, a NATO member with a very large military, regains access to the F-35, Ankara’s position in the conflicts in Syria, Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Black Sea would surge dramatically. US media outlet Axios reported on Monday, 6 July 2026, that Netanyahu had asked Trump to ‘restrain’ Erdogan ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara. Axios wrote that Netanyahu also requested Trump not to sell weapons systems that could help Turkey modernise its air force. The report noted that the Washington-Ankara agenda included a potential USD 700 million jet engine deal and the possibility of Turkey re-entering the F-35 programme. Netanyahu’s request to Trump demonstrates one thing: Israel is beginning to see Erdogan not just as a harsh critic, but as a geopolitical rival who is getting closer to the White House. Axios wrote that Netanyahu’s influence in Washington is being questioned as Trump maintains close ties with both Netanyahu and Erdogan. At the same time, the financial benefits of arms sales to Turkey are a factor that cannot be ignored.