Israel's obsession with Türkiye grows after Trump's statements | Daily Sabah

Israel's political establishment and the Jewish lobby are intensely campaigning against the U.S. lifting CAATSA sanctions on Türkiye and selling F-35 fighter jets, following statements by U.S. President Donald Trump at the NATO summit in Ankara. This opposition stems from Israel's historical efforts to maintain its qualitative military edge in the region, including its alleged role in Türkiye's removal from the F-35 program in 2019 and the imposition of sanctions in 2020. Israel has also sought to marginalize Türkiye through initiatives like the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum and by attempting to counter Turkish influence in Syria. Turkish actions, such as brokering a ceasefire in Gaza and its anti-Israel stance in international courts, are further fueling Israel's "obsessive and hostile manner toward Türkiye."