Trump Overrules Israeli Objections to F-35 Sale to Turkey: 'No One Can Dictate to Me'

US President Donald Trump has firmly rejected Israeli objections to the potential sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey, stating that no foreign power can dictate American defence trade policy. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasised his authority over such decisions. ‘No one can dictate to me regarding what we sell,’ Trump said, responding to criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He described Turkey as an ‘extraordinary ally’ and noted that Ankara had performed its role ‘very well’ in regional affairs, including in Syria.

Turkey was expelled from the F-35 programme in 2019 during Trump’s first term after it acquired the Russian-made S-400 missile defence system. Washington argued that the Russian system could compromise the stealth capabilities of the F-35 and posed a security risk to NATO technology. Despite this history, Trump indicated a willingness to reconsider the sale, stating he would ‘seriously look at’ reopening the deal. His comments follow a NATO summit in Turkey earlier in July where he signalled a positive approach towards Ankara’s requests.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed that Trump had adopted a ‘positive approach’ regarding the potential sale. Ankara has repeatedly argued that there is no technical conflict between the S-400 and F-35 systems and has proposed forming a joint commission to study the issue. Turkish officials also insist that the suspension from the programme violated the rules of the consortium and that the jets would not only strengthen Turkey’s defence but also the collective security of the NATO alliance. The latest remarks confirm media reports that Trump was irritated by Netanyahu’s public criticism of the potential deal.