Israel will maintain its military superiority over Turkey even if Ankara ultimately rejoins the American F-35 fighter jet program, Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel said, while expressing concern over recent US overtures toward Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and sharply criticizing recent statements by Turkish leaders.
Speaking to Kathimerini, Haskel said Israel had conveyed its concerns directly to US President Donald Trump after he announced in Ankara that his administration would consider lifting sanctions tied to Turkey’s participation in the F-35 program and support the supply of engines for Turkey’s KAAN fighter aircraft.
“The prime minister and the defense minister have shown concern in regards to that,” Haskel said. “Our concerns have been growing, especially during the last few weeks.”
She linked those concerns to recent remarks by Erdogan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, saying their statements “were very extreme and constituted a literal serious threat to the state of Israel and Israeli civilians.”
Haskel also defended Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent public criticism of Turkey, saying Israel was facing growing concern over what it sees as increasing radicalization in the country.
