Netanyahu Urges Trump to Confront Erdoğan Over Anti-Israel Statements Ahead of NATO Summit

Washington, D.C. | July 7, 2026

Netanyahu Trump Erdogan Talks Focus on Turkey’s Anti-Israel Rhetoric and Proposed Defense Deals

Netanyahu Trump Erdogan Talks have emerged as a key diplomatic development ahead of this week’s NATO Summit, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu privately urging U.S. President Donald Trump to raise concerns over Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s anti-Israel statements and proposed U.S.-Turkey defense cooperation.

According to a report by Axios, Netanyahu asked Trump to use his personal relationship with Erdoğan to encourage him to tone down his public criticism of Israel. The Israeli leader also reportedly expressed concern over proposed U.S. defense agreements that could strengthen Turkey’s air force, including a military engine deal valued at approximately $700 million and discussions surrounding Turkey’s possible return to the F-35 fighter jet program.

Israel Seeks U.S. Support Ahead of NATO Summit

The issue was reportedly discussed during a phone conversation between Netanyahu and Trump on Friday.

According to the report, Netanyahu requested that Trump address the matter directly with Erdoğan during meetings on the sidelines of the NATO Summit. Israeli officials are concerned that continued public criticism from Ankara could further strain already fragile relations between the two regional powers.

A U.S. official cited in the report indicated that President Trump could raise the issue with Erdoğan, although any decision regarding future public statements would ultimately rest with the Turkish president.

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Growing Tensions Between Israel and Turkey

Relations between Israel and Turkey have deteriorated significantly over the past two years, particularly following conflicts involving Gaza and escalating regional tensions linked to Iran.

President Erdoğan has repeatedly criticized Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Last week, he described Zionism as a “genocidal ideology” and claimed it had become a threat to Turkey as well.

Turkey has also taken a stronger diplomatic stance against Israel in international forums.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently called the Israeli government a source of instability and urged the international community to consider sanctions against Israel.

These statements have further widened the diplomatic divide between the two countries.

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Israel Raises Concerns Over Turkey’s F-35 Return

A major concern for Israel is the possibility of Turkey rejoining the U.S.-led F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program.

Turkey was removed from the program in 2019 after purchasing the Russian-made S-400 air defense system, a move that prompted U.S. sanctions and raised security concerns within NATO.

According to the report, the Trump administration is now examining whether a legal pathway exists to allow Turkey to re-enter the program.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has confirmed that the Department of Defense is reviewing the matter.

Israel fears that restoring Turkey’s access to advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft could alter the regional military balance.

Proposed Defense Agreements Also Under Scrutiny

Beyond the F-35 issue, Israeli officials are also concerned about a proposed $700 million defense agreement involving fighter aircraft engines for Turkey.

Netanyahu reportedly argued that advanced military technology should not be transferred to governments whose policies, in Israel’s view, could undermine regional stability.

The Israeli prime minister has publicly opposed supplying Turkey with modern fighter aircraft or related technologies, saying such transfers could shift the balance of power in the Middle East.

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Trump Faces a Delicate Diplomatic Balancing Act

The issue presents a complex diplomatic challenge for President Trump.

The United States maintains close strategic ties with both countries:

• Israel remains one of Washington’s closest allies in the Middle East.
• Turkey is NATO’s second-largest military power and a key regional security partner.

Balancing these relationships while addressing defense cooperation, alliance commitments, and regional security concerns is expected to be a sensitive issue during the NATO Summit.

Regional Security Remains a Key Priority

The discussions come at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions across the Middle East.

Conflicts involving Gaza, Iran, and broader regional security continue to influence diplomatic relations among U.S. allies.

Israel has consistently emphasized maintaining its qualitative military edge in the region, while Turkey has sought to modernize its armed forces and strengthen its defense capabilities.

The outcome of ongoing U.S. reviews regarding Turkey’s defense requests could have implications for NATO cooperation, regional security dynamics, and U.S. relations with both allies.

Diplomatic Developments Closely Watched

While no official decisions have been announced regarding Turkey’s possible return to the F-35 program or approval of additional defense sales, the issue is expected to remain an important topic in U.S.-Turkey-Israel diplomacy.

Observers will closely monitor discussions during the NATO Summit for any indication of changes in Washington’s approach toward Ankara’s defense requests and its efforts to manage tensions between two key strategic partners.