There is concern in Jerusalem over the possible sale of US-manufactured state-of-the-art F35 fighter planes to Turkey. The matter is being discussed and clearly, from Israel’s perspective, it would prefer to remain the only country in the region with the advanced fighter planes. At present, Israel remains the only nation in the world, including the United States, that has used the planes in combat – in recent aerial strikes against terrorist objectives in Syria.

At the very least, Israel expects the United States to withhold upgrade capabilities as part of the conditions of the sale, which includes the performance-enhancing software used by Israel. If the US agrees to this, at the very least, it will permit Israel to maintain its edge over neighboring Arab nations.

According to a Haaretz report, sources in Washington are confirming there is discussion of such a sale.

In line with its agreement with the United States, Israel in July 2018 is scheduled to receive the performance-enhancing software package. Should this same package be approved for Turkey, it would significantly change the realities in the region for Israel as Turkey of late has become a hostile nation despite having once enjoyed good relations, including joint military exercises.

The report adds there is some opposition to the sale to Turkey in the US congress, with opponents pointing to Turkey’s behavior of late. Senator James Lankford (Rep. Oklahoma) is a leading voice in opposition to the sale bases on current events. Lankford added that the once NATO ally has strayed, and today, holds and American citizen as a bargaining chip. The senator speaks on an “ongoing transition” taking place in Turkey, citing the country’s shift in policies vis-à-vis Israel and drawing closer in its policy statement to a Muslim fundamentalist nation.

An AIPAC spokesman is quoted anonymously explaining the organization is not talking a position on the matter at this time.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)