President Donald Trump said the U.S. is considering selling F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey and lifting sanctions related to Russian weaponry.

This move would signal a major shift in U.S. foreign policy and military relations with a key NATO ally. It potentially overrides long-standing security concerns regarding the integration of Russian and American military technology.

Trump made the comments on Tuesday, July 7 [1], ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey [1]. He said the administration is looking at the possibility of selling the aircraft and removing sanctions on Turkey for its purchase of the Russian S-400 air-defence system [1].

"We are looking at the possibility of selling the F‑35 to Turkey and lifting the sanctions on the S‑400 purchase," Trump said [1].

The proposal faces significant legal hurdles. A congressional ban on F-35 sales to Turkey was enacted in 2022 [3]. While Trump framed the possible sale as a way to strengthen NATO cohesion and reward Turkey for its strategic importance, the deal would likely require congressional approval to proceed [3].

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed strong opposition to the plan. He said in an exclusive interview with CNN that he opposes the sale [2].

"Selling F‑35s to Turkey would destroy the balance of power in the Middle East," Netanyahu said [2].

Trump has suggested that the sale could serve as a counterbalance to Turkey's previous military acquisitions from Russia [1]. However, reports indicate he faces multiple layers of resistance that may prevent the transfer of the stealth fighters [3].

“"We are looking at the possibility of selling the F‑35 to Turkey and lifting the sanctions on the S‑400 purchase,"”

The proposal highlights a tension between the executive branch's desire for diplomatic flexibility with Turkey and the legislative branch's security mandates. By challenging the 2022 ban, the administration is prioritizing strategic alignment with Ankara over the strict technical safeguards intended to prevent Russian access to F-35 stealth technology. This shift also risks straining the U.S.-Israel security partnership, as Israel views the proliferation of advanced stealth capabilities in the region as a threat to its own qualitative military edge.