Netanyahu warns US against military cooperation with Turkey, cites regional balance

WASHINGTON, July 07 (YPA) – Israeli occupation’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has escalated his rhetoric against Turkey, warning the United States against pursuing qualitative military cooperation with Ankara.

Netanyahu argued that providing Turkey with advanced fighter jets or sophisticated military technologies would alter the regional balance of power and impact “Israel’s” qualitative military edge.

In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu stated that any deal allowing Turkey to acquire F-35 fighter jets or jet engines for its own combat aircraft would directly affect military balances in the Middle East. He noted that Ankara’s acquisition of such capabilities could limit Israeli air superiority and influence US interests and its role in the region.

Netanyahu sought to highlight “Israel’s” position as a strategic partner to Washington, emphasizing that his government has supported the US during its confrontation with Iran. He described the relationship between the two sides as a long-standing alliance, while contrasting it with Turkey, which he accused of failing to support the US and backing the Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip.

Continuing his critique of the Turkish leadership, Netanyahu leveled sharp criticism against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, claiming he openly calls for the destruction of “Israel.” He further accused Erdogan of “occupying half of Cyprus” and threatening Greece, a fellow NATO member.

Additionally, Netanyahu pointed to remarks he attributed to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, which he claimed included calls to erase the Jewish state. He also referenced statements attributed to Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci regarding an aspiration to become the governor of Jerusalem (Quds).

Netanyahu asserted that these positions reflect a rising hostile rhetoric from Turkey toward “Israel” amid ongoing political tensions between the two sides.

YPA