One of the key issues expected to be discussed was Israel’s opposition to the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
By Shula Rosen
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has canceled a planned trip to Israel after fighting resumed between the United States and Iran, CNN reported, postponing what would have been his first visit to the country since taking office.
Hegseth was expected to travel to Israel after attending the NATO summit in Ankara with President Donald Trump. During the visit, he had been scheduled to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz.
One of the key issues expected to be discussed was Israel’s opposition to a possible US sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
The cancellation comes as Washington and Tehran exchanged military strikes following the US decision to restore sanctions on Iranian oil after attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command announced strikes on Iranian targets, while Iran said it had launched attacks against US military sites.
The possible transfer of F-35 aircraft to Turkey has emerged as another point of discussion during the NATO summit.
Trump said the United States was prepared to consider the sale, describing Turkey as “loyal” and saying relations between Washington and Ankara were stronger than ever.
Netanyahu, however, publicly urged the United States not to move forward with the transfer, warning in an interview with CNN that supplying the aircraft would alter the regional balance of power.
He also described Turkey as “a regime that’s infected with the Muslim Brotherhood, which hates the United States.”
Relations between Israel and Turkey have steadily deteriorated since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Since then, Turkey has suspended all trade with Israel, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened military action, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has described Israel as a “burden humanity can no longer bear.”
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