In a move that could fundamentally reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean, President Donald Trump announced on Monday that his administration is “very seriously” considering the sale of F-35 stealth fighters to Turkey.
The revelation came during a joint appearance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose government has historically lobbied against such a move.
“We’re looking at it very seriously,” Trump told reporters when questioned about the F-35 deal. The statement marks a potential reversal of the 2019 policy that saw Turkey expelled from the F-35 program following its purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems.
Trump on whether he will sell F-35 jets to Turkey: “We are thinking about it very seriously. I promise they’ll never use them on Israel.” pic.twitter.com/QCjePPZbXC
— Ariel Oseran أريئل أوسيران (@ariel_oseran) December 29, 2025
Despite this history, Trump emphasized his deep bond with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, calling him a “very good friend” and an “outstanding leader.”
Trump endorses a “Turkish solution” for Gaza
Perhaps more striking was Trump’s openness to the deployment of Turkish troops in Gaza. When asked if he expected Turkish soldiers to play a role in the post-war security of the enclave, Trump was notably optimistic.
“I have a very good relationship with President Erdogan and we’re going to discuss that matter,” Trump said. “If it’s appropriate, I think it would be good. We’ll talk to Netanyahu about it.”
He brushed aside concerns regarding Erdogan’s past rhetoric—including the Turkish leader’s comparison of Netanyahu to Hitler—asserting that “Bibi respects him” and that “nothing is going to happen” between the two nations under his watch.
Crediting Erdogan for Syria
The President also sought to recalibrate the narrative regarding the recent fall of the Assad regime in Syria. Trump claimed that Erdogan played a pivotal, under-recognized role in the transition. “The President of Turkey helped a lot in getting rid of Bashar al-Assad. Bibi agrees with that—we have to give credit to Erdogan,” he stated.
By positioning himself as the ultimate mediator, Trump signaled a “maximum relationship” strategy: “I am with Erdogan all the way… I am with Netanyahu all the way.” Whether this personal diplomacy can overcome the intense friction between Ankara and Jerusalem remains to be seen.
Related: The F-35 Dilemma: Can Trump Re-admit Turkey?
