U.S. Signals No F-35s for Turkey as Washington Reaffirms Israel’s Military Edge
In a series of forceful remarks that underscore shifting dynamics in the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this week that Turkey should not expect to receive American F-35 fighter jets “anytime soon, if at all,” highlighting heightened concerns over Ankara’s regional posture and reaffirming the United States’ long-standing commitment to preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge.
According to reporting by VINnews, Netanyahu said he recently held extensive discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which the United States emphasized its position that Israel must maintain military superiority in the region — a principle that has guided American defense policy for decades.
Netanyahu drew a direct comparison between risk assessments involving various regional actors and the concerns presented by Turkey, describing Ankara’s case as “only on steroids,” a blunt characterization reflecting tensions that have intensified over the past several years.
Potential Openings With a Post-Assad Syria
The prime minister also signaled that Israel may be open to exploring limited arrangements with Syria should the Assad regime weaken further or fall. He suggested that a transitional Syrian authority could perceive security cooperation with Israel as being in its own strategic interest, particularly in containing Iranian influence and preventing cross-border instability.
The comments mark one of the clearest indications to date that Israel sees an opportunity to reshape its northern frontier under new geopolitical realities.
Rejecting a Palestinian State as “Existential Threat”
Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state, describing it as an “existential threat” to Israel. Even with political reforms, he argued, conditions on the ground do not support the establishment of an independent Palestinian entity under current circumstances.
His remarks mirror Israel’s national-security doctrine, which requires any future political arrangements to fully neutralize terror risks and preserve Israel’s defensive capabilities.
Implications for U.S.–Turkey Relations
The firm U.S.–Israeli alignment on denying Turkey access to advanced F-35 aircraft could deepen existing strains between Washington and Ankara. Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after its purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems, and the latest statements from Israeli leadership suggest that political resistance to reversing that decision remains strong.
For Turkish Americans and U.S. policymakers alike, this development highlights the continuing complexity of balancing NATO partnerships, regional security concerns, and bilateral priorities.
TC-USA PAC Perspective
As an organization committed to promoting a strong, constructive U.S.–Turkey relationship rooted in American interests and democratic values, TC-USA PAC closely monitors developments affecting defense cooperation, regional stability, and the strategic landscape.
Understanding how U.S. policy is shaped — particularly when it intersects with Israeli security priorities — is essential for ensuring that Turkish American voices remain informed and engaged in policy discussions that affect both nations.
TC-USA PAC will continue to provide accurate, carefully sourced updates on issues of significance to our community.
Source:
Original reporting from VINnews (November 20, 2025):
📰 “No F-35s for Turkey Anytime Soon, US Vows Israel’s Military Edge; Syria Open to Deals; Palestinian State an Existential Threat”