Israel has effectively vetoed any potential U.S. sale of F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters to Türkiye, with Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel stating that Israeli-developed technology embedded in the jets will not be shared with Ankara.

In an interview with Greek outlet Kathimerini, Haskel said: “We have our reservations [regarding a possible sale]... A lot of the technology inside the airplane is technology produced by Israel... This is not something that we will share with them.”

The remarks come just days after U.S. President Donald Trump said he was “very seriously considering” selling F-35s to Türkiye, following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago.

Israel’s position leverages its role as a key F-35 partner nation, contributing critical subsystems and modifications. Any export requires consent from all program participants, giving Jerusalem significant influence over U.S. decisions.

Türkiye was expelled from the F-35 program in 2019 after acquiring Russian S-400 missile systems, triggering CAATSA sanctions. Ankara has since sought reinstatement, but Israel’s opposition—rooted in strained bilateral ties and rivalry in the Eastern Mediterranean—poses a major obstacle.

Haskel contrasted Israel’s stance with its “extremely close” defense ties to Greece, underscoring shifting regional alliances.