'Netanyahu and his partners in crime...’: Turkey rejects Israeli criticism of potential US F-35 deal

Turkey on Tuesday strongly rejected Israeli claims that a potential US sale of F-35 fighter jets and related components to Ankara would destabilise the regional balance of power, describing the allegations as part of a coordinated disinformation campaign.

The response came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised concerns over reports that Washington could move ahead with supplying the advanced stealth aircraft to Turkey, a development that has sparked opposition from both Israel and Greece.

In a statement issued ahead of a Nato summit in Turkey, the Turkish Foreign Ministry dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and aimed at shaping international perceptions.

“The baseless allegations recently circulated by Israeli officials in a coordinated manner and with calculated timing are part of a disinformation campaign,” Times of Israel quoted the ministry as saying.

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“Netanyahu and his partners in crime deliberately distort any criticism directed at them and seek to divert attention through a systematic propaganda effort.”

The dispute comes amid renewed speculation over Turkey's possible return to the US-led F-35 programme.

Approval of such a sale would be viewed as a significant diplomatic gesture toward Ankara and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ahead of the high-stakes Nato gathering.

US President Donald Trump is widely seen as maintaining close ties with Erdogan, adding to expectations that defence cooperation between the two Nato allies could deepen.

The F-35, regarded as one of the world's most advanced stealth fighter jets, was developed through the multinational Joint Strike Fighter programme involving the United States and several Nato partners.

Turkey was originally a participant in the project but was removed from the programme after proceeding with the purchase of Russia's S-400 air defence system, a move that triggered strong objections from Washington.

Relations between Turkey and Israel have deteriorated sharply over the past two decades despite once being among the closest strategic partnerships in West Asia.

Tensions have intensified further since the outbreak of the Gaza war following the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack, with Ankara and Tel Aviv frequently clashing over the conflict and broader regional security issues.

With inputs from agencies