US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has cancelled planned meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz amid growing sensitivity over Washington’s possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye, an Israeli source told Reuters on Wednesday.
The cancellation comes as the Trump administration signals a willingness to restore defence ties with Ankara, including a potential path towards F-35 sales, despite strong opposition from Israeli officials.
Netanyahu has been lobbying against the transfer of the advanced fighter jets to Türkiye, arguing that such a move could shift the military balance in the Middle East.
Netanyahu’s failed attempts
In an interview with CNN on Tuesday, Netanyahu said he had directly raised his concerns with US President Donald Trump.
"It would destroy the power balance in the Middle East because Türkiye has aggressive aspirations," Netanyahu said.
Israel has long viewed Türkiye’s regional policies with concern, particularly Ankara’s criticism of Israeli genocide in Gaza, invasions in parts of Lebanon and Syria, and deadly attacks.
However, Washington’s recent moves suggest Israel’s campaign to stop the potential sale has not prevented discussions from moving forward.
Defence ties with Ankara back in focus
Trump, who is attending the NATO summit in Türkiye alongside Hegseth, announced Tuesday that the US would lift sanctions imposed on Ankara over its 2019 purchase of Russian S-400 air defence systems.
He also signalled that the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye could be reconsidered, a major shift after Ankara was removed from the F-35 programme and targeted with US sanctions over the S-400 deal.
The issue has added another strain to the relationship between Trump and Netanyahu, which has become more complicated despite years of close cooperation.
Differences over Iran policy, regional diplomacy and ceasefire efforts have contributed to a more tense dynamic between the two leaders.
The possible F-35 deal remains subject to US legal and congressional approval, but the latest developments indicate Washington is moving towards a reassessment of its defence relationship with Ankara.
