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PoliticsTrump rejects Netanyahu's objections to potential F-35 sale to Turkey: 'Nobody tells me who we should sell what to'
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US President Donald Trump has dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's objections to a possible sale of American F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to Michigan, Trump stated, 'Nobody tells me who we should sell what to,' and praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a friend and important ally who has done good work, particularly regarding Syria. Netanyahu, who was scheduled to meet Trump at the White House on Tuesday, had earlier voiced strong opposition to the sale, arguing it would disrupt the Middle East's balance of power, which Israel and the US military currently guarantee. The meeting is expected to focus primarily on Iran, with Netanyahu denying he will present new intelligence on Iran's nuclear program. Trump acknowledged minor differences with Netanyahu on the war against Iran but said they remain close overall.
Source report
US President Trump aboard Air Force One surrounded by reporters. Source: Getty Images via AFP/ANDREW HARNIK
The potential sale of US F-35 fighter jets has become a point of contention between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ahead of a scheduled meeting between the two leaders, Trump has asserted his authority on the matter.
US President Donald Trump has rejected objections from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding a possible sale of American F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
"Nobody tells me who we should sell what to," Trump said aboard Air Force One en route to Michigan, responding to a reporter's question.
Trump left the possibility of the sale open and praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, describing Turkey as an important ally. Trump stated that Erdogan has done good work, particularly regarding Syria, and called him a friend.
Netanyahu and Trump were scheduled to meet at the White House on Tuesday. The Israeli leader has made clear his opposition to delivering the modern fighter jets to Turkey.
In early July, Netanyahu told US broadcaster Fox News that Washington should not deliver the fighter jets or engines for Turkish combat aircraft. "That would disrupt the balance of power in the Middle East," Netanyahu said, adding that Israel and the US military have so far guaranteed this balance.
When asked whether he and Netanyahu agree on the war against Iran, Trump acknowledged minor differences but said they are overall close.
Meeting with Netanyahu on Tuesday
Ahead of the meeting with Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu offered only vague hints about his agenda in Washington. He stated that discussions would primarily focus on Iran, speaking shortly before his departure to the USA.
Israeli Iran expert Danny Citrinowicz told US broadcaster NewsNation that he expects Netanyahu to present Trump with intelligence demonstrating that Iran has further expanded its military capabilities, rendering a new nuclear agreement with the country useless. Citrinowicz also told the New York Times that Israel — unlike the USA — does not want an agreement with Iran.
However, on Sunday, Netanyahu denied in a conversation with Fox News that he would present Trump with new information on the nuclear program during his visit.
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Source
Nachrichten - WELTWestern
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Trump Rejects Netanyahu's Objections to Potential F-35 Sale to Turkey