Netanyahu Urges Trump to Address Turkey's Anti-Israel Stance Ahead of NATO Summit

Netanyahu's Concerns Over Turkey's Actions

As President Trump prepares for discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan this week during the NATO summit, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a distinct agenda. He is urging Trump to encourage Erdogan to moderate his anti-Israel rhetoric and is also advocating against any arms agreements that could enhance Turkey's air force capabilities.

According to Axios, Netanyahu expressed his concerns during a phone call with Trump last Friday, highlighting his dissatisfaction with Erdogan's increasingly aggressive remarks regarding Israel. He urged Trump to reconsider any potential arms sales that might assist Turkey in upgrading its military aircraft.

The relationship between Israel and Turkey has been strained for approximately two years, primarily due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and tensions with Iran. Complicating Netanyahu's position is Trump's strong rapport with Erdogan, as Turkey is a significant military ally within NATO. Additionally, Netanyahu's influence in Washington has waned recently, partly due to the Iran conflict affecting Trump's approval ratings and creating divisions among his supporters.

Potential Military Agreements on the Agenda

Fighter Jets and Engines on the Table

Trump is set to travel to Turkey on Monday, where, aside from the official NATO discussions, he is anticipated to negotiate a $700 million deal for new jet engines for the Turkish air force. There are also discussions about reinstating Turkey in the F-35 program, from which it was removed in 2019 due to Ankara's acquisition of Russia's S-400 missile defense system, raising concerns among American officials about the potential exposure of sensitive F-35 technology.

Escalating Rhetoric from Turkish Officials

Turkish Officials Escalate Their Language

Netanyahu's objections extend beyond military sales; they stem from what he perceives as a significant shift in Ankara's rhetoric. Erdogan has recently labeled Zionism as "a genocidal ideology" and portrayed it as a threat to Turkey's existence. Furthermore, Turkey's foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, intensified the rhetoric during a televised interview, describing Israel's government as "a burden that humanity can no longer bear" and urging the international community to impose sanctions against Israel.

Netanyahu Voices Concerns Publicly

Netanyahu Takes the Fight to American TV

Instead of keeping his concerns private, Netanyahu reiterated his stance during a Monday appearance on "Fox & Friends." He cited recent comments from Turkish leaders as proof that Ankara is aligning with detrimental forces in the region, and he did not shy away from directly criticizing Erdogan, accusing him of jeopardizing both Israel and other NATO allies. As of now, it remains uncertain whether Netanyahu has managed to sway Trump’s position. The Israeli Prime Minister is expected to visit the White House before the end of the month.