Trump Clears Path for Turkey to Receive F-35s

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is expected to discuss the possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to Reuters, the issue is among the most sensitive on the agenda, as Israel strongly opposes the sale of the advanced aircraft to Ankara.

In an interview with CNN, Netanyahu said the deal would upset the balance of power in the Middle East and added that he had conveyed his concerns directly to President Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, Washington has lifted sanctions imposed on Turkey over its purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system, and Trump has signaled a willingness to resume talks on F-35 deliveries.

However, the sale still faces legal hurdles in the US and is expected to encounter opposition from both members of Congress and Israel. Hegseth is also expected to discuss the situation in Iran during his meetings with Israeli officials.

(Reuters, mja)