The Hebrew daily Maariv revealed on Saturday an Israeli threat message directed at Turkey, over Ankara’s efforts to acquire F-35 fighter jets from the United States.
The newspaper reported that, amid fears of regional escalation, a senior Israeli official warned of the need to prevent the Turkish government from obtaining advanced American F-35 aircraft, citing concerns they could be used aggressively — including against Israel.
According to Maariv, the official said there is “a possibility of military confrontation with Turkey — a possibility described as remote but increasing” — claiming that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan aims to revive the legacy of the Ottoman Empire, including “regaining control over Jerusalem.”
The Israeli official added, “Tel Aviv will take steps to thwart these ambitions if necessary,” but stressed that the priority is to avoid escalation.
He continued: “Israel has previously taken measures to block Turkish plans in Syria and will take further steps if required,” affirming that “Israel believes the U.S. Congress is capable — and must — block any deal to sell F-35 jets to Turkey.”
He claimed that providing Erdoğan with advanced fighter jets “could harm regional stability and even put Israel at risk.”
This comes after Maariv reported that the U.S. administration is studying a comprehensive deal with Turkey that includes the purchase of two squadrons of F-16 Block 70 aircraft — the latest version of the well-known fighter jet, equipped with advanced avionics systems, a new AESA radar, and improved air-to-air endurance.
The report noted that the Turkish Air Force is one of the largest in Europe and the Middle East, currently operating between 250 and 300 F-16D fighter jets — similar to the “Barak” jets used by the Israeli Air Force — in addition to dozens of old Phantom jets manufactured in the 1970s.
It pointed out that Turkey was originally an official partner in the F-35 development program and was scheduled to procure aircraft for its air force. However, Ankara’s purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system about a decade ago angered Washington and resulted in its exclusion from the program and strict restrictions on exporting advanced military technology to Turkey.
