ByHERB KEINON

JULY 10, 2026 12:40

History shows that when one regional power fades another steps forward, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted in a recent Channel 14 interview. He stressed that Israel's goal must be to advance more rapidly than its neighbors.

This outlook prompted Netanyahu to launch a public effort in Washington this week opposing President Donald Trump's apparent readiness to supply advanced F-35 fighters to Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Turkey, the country now moving quickly to fill the space left by a diminished Iran.

With Iran's regional influence declining after military setbacks and the weakening of its proxy networks, Turkey is expanding its reach. Despite earlier diplomatic openings that eased pressure on Tehran, the Islamic Republic's capabilities have been sharply reduced.

Turkey is already established in Syria, building a domestic arms sector that produces advanced drones and naval ships while planning future fighter jets. It also seeks influence in Gaza, aiming to occupy the vacuum created by Iran's retreat.

Turkey seeks a Sunni encirclement of Israel

Former national security adviser Giora Eiland noted this week that Iran once tried to ring Israel with Shi'ite allies. Turkey, he cautioned, now appears focused on creating a comparable Sunni barrier.

That concern drove Netanyahu to appear on US networks to challenge an administration plan still under review. Israeli officials worry that American F-35s, combined with Trump's favorable stance toward Erdogan, could strengthen Turkey's bid to dominate the region.

Trump views the relationship differently.

Alongside Erdogan at the NATO summit, the president praised the Turkish leader warmly, calling him an extraordinary figure.

Netanyahu countered on CNN that Erdogan's government harbors aggressive goals, acts against peace and stability, and would upset regional balance if given F-35 aircraft.

The following day Trump indicated no final choice had been reached on the fighters.

Trump's adjusted tone suggests the proposal already faces resistance in Washington. Netanyahu's public stance aims to intensify that opposition while the outcome remains open.

The matter is serious enough for Netanyahu to break from his usual approach with Trump by openly questioning a presidential policy. This is no minor issue.

Trump has often highlighted his ties with Erdogan.

He has even claimed credit for keeping Turkey out of the recent conflict with Iran.

Trump stated that Erdogan could have joined the fighting but refrained because of his influence.

The decision to offer advanced arms to a leader who considered opposing the United States and Israel remains striking. Yet Trump has made his preference clear.

Netanyahu challenges the president on security

Trump remarked that Netanyahu understands who leads. Still, the Israeli leader showed willingness this week to contest that leadership on an issue central to Israel's defense: maintaining air superiority over potential adversaries.

Netanyahu described Turkey as a significant nation led by someone who openly advocates Israel's destruction. He also cited its occupation of northern Cyprus and repeated threats toward Greece.

He added that Erdogan's foreign minister has questioned Israel's right to exist and that the interior minister has expressed interest in governing Jerusalem. Netanyahu portrayed the government as influenced by the Muslim Brotherhood, an ideology hostile to both Israel and the United States.

Providing F-35s or engines for Turkish jets, he argued, would erode the military edge that underpins regional stability.

These statements represent a direct challenge to a Trump policy goal rather than merely criticism of Erdogan.

Netanyahu risks applying outdated tactics to a new situation, as strategists often warn against.

In past disputes Israel appealed to Congress and the public, where bipartisan backing was once reliable.

Yitzhak Shamir took a similar route against President George H.W. Bush on loan guarantees in the early 1990s. Netanyahu later appealed directly to lawmakers during the debate over the Iran nuclear deal.

Those efforts did not succeed. Public and congressional sentiment toward Israel has also softened since then.

Netanyahu appears to be repeating the pattern by using American media to build congressional resistance.

One key difference exists this time. Israel may find allies because Turkey's ambitions alarm other capitals as well.

Greece faces repeated airspace intrusions and maritime disputes. Cyprus remains divided by Turkish occupation. Armenian communities recall the genocide and Ankara's refusal to acknowledge it.

Opposition to Turkish military gains spans several nations

Although the motivations vary, the shared conclusion is that Turkey should not gain significant military strength from current regional shifts.

This alignment matters because Washington responds to organized domestic constituencies as well as foreign governments.

Greek-American and Armenian-American groups have long mobilized against Turkish policies. Their established networks could reinforce Israel's position.

Erdogan dismissed objections from Netanyahu and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the NATO summit, claiming they hold no weight in his view.

The real question is whether multiple groups can generate enough political pressure together to halt the sale.

Netanyahu's campaign coincides with Israel's recent cabinet decision to recognize the Armenian Genocide, a move timed to align with lobbying efforts in Washington.

By acknowledging the genocide, Israel positions itself alongside influential ethnic communities that already oppose arming Turkey.

Congress has enacted legislation blocking F-35 transfers because of Turkey's S-400 purchase. Greek-American lawmakers have introduced measures to prevent engine sales as well.

Israel's partnerships with Greece and Cyprus extend into coordinated advocacy in the United States.

Israel clearly views Turkey's trajectory with concern. Yet as Eiland observed, simply voicing alarm is not a complete strategy.

Partners are essential. In this instance they exist.

If Netanyahu is correct that the region is entering a post-Iran phase, blocking the F-35 transfer marks only the start of a longer strategic contest.