Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted at the potential sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Turkey during a military ceremony, whilst carefully avoiding mentioning the country by name. Speaking at a wings parade, Netanyahu alluded to selling the cutting-edge aircraft to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s military, stating that “the war is not yet over” and that Israel faces “new challenges” ahead.
The remarks represent a significant shift in Netanyahu’s typically hardline rhetoric. Rather than reiterating previous claims that Iran already possesses nuclear weapons, the Prime Minister suggested that Israel’s preventive military actions have been crucial, saying: “If we had not acted in time, they would have armed themselves.” This framing emphasises Israel’s proactive security posture in the region.
Defence Minister Yoav Katz doubled down on military readiness, declaring that Israel is “prepared for a blue-and-white operation against Iran” — a reference to a potential Israeli military strike using the nation’s colours. The comments come amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme.
The hint towards arms sales to Turkey reflects the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East, where Israel has been gradually warming relations with some neighbouring states whilst maintaining security vigilance against perceived threats. The F-35, one of the world’s most advanced fighter jets, remains central to military modernisation efforts across the region.
Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.
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