Donald Trump and Israel’s Netanyahu discuss Gulf tensions and oppose Turkey’s F‑35 jet sale

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, briefing him on recent American military actions in the Gulf following fresh U.S. strikes against Iranian targets. The leaders reaffirmed their intention to maintain coordination on a range of security issues.

Netanyahu warned that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent statements threaten Israel’s existence and stressed the need for security zones along Israel’s borders. He also urged Trump not to sell advanced F‑35 fighter jets to Turkey, saying the sale “would destroy the power balance in the Middle East.” Israeli officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Energy Minister Eli Cohen, said they are working “openly and behind the scenes” to block the sale and warned that if Turkey were to establish a military base in Syria, Israel would consider building one in response.

Trump, while praising Erdogan and indicating openness to a possible F‑35 deal, also indicated the U.S. administration does not want Israel directly involved in the ongoing U.S.–Iran strikes, seeking to avoid further escalation. The exchange highlights mounting regional tension over Iran, the Gulf, and Turkey’s potential acquisition of stealth aircraft.