Trump “pissed off” by Netanyahu’s objection of F-35 sale to Turkey: Axios

Tensions between President Donald Trump and ‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have surfaced publicly after Netanyahu openly opposed a potential US sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, prompting frustration in the White House and derailing plans for a swift Oval Office meeting.

Netanyahu voiced strong objections in interviews just before Trump's attendance at the NATO summit in Ankara.

In a Fox News appearance, he warned that arming Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would "upset the power balance in the Middle East, which is ultimately guaranteed by Israeli air superiority."

He described Turkey as "a regime infected by the Muslim Brotherhood" and accused Erdogan of calling for ‘Israel's’ annihilation.

Speaking to CNN, Netanyahu reiterated that Turkey is "not exactly a model ally of the United States" and emphasized that providing F-35s "is not a force for peace and stability. When you give them that power, you’re going to see aggression in its wake."

He said he urged Trump directly against the move, arguing it would "destroy the power balance."

Trump, who has warmed to Erdogan and signaled openness to lifting sanctions and reconsidering Turkey's F-35 participation (after its 2019 removal over Russian S-400 purchases), reacted negatively.

White House officials told Axios that Trump was "pissed off" by the interview and felt "Bibi had no right" to weigh in publicly on the issue.

Despite Netanyahu's office signaling a Monday meeting in Washington, no sit-down was scheduled.

White House sources described it as Netanyahu attempting to "will a meeting into existence."

“It's unclear whether Netanyahu received an outright ‘no’ from the White House. But it is clear he did not receive a positive response,” the report by Axios said.

This marks a departure from prior rapid scheduling, with Netanyahu having visited the Oval Office six times since Trump's return to office.

The episode highlights broader strains. US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, have criticized Netanyahu's predictions on the Iran conflict.

Trump has praised Turkey's stance during recent tensions, noting it did not join Iran against ‘Israel’.

Erdogan dismissed ‘Israeli’ and Greek concerns over the jets.