US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee argued that Türkiye would not be able to obtain F-35 fighter jets unless it makes comprehensive changes to the defence systems it purchased from Russia.
Striking Remarks from Huckabee on the F-35 Process
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee claimed that it is not possible for Türkiye to take delivery of F-35 fighter jets from the United States. Huckabee alleged that this process cannot move forward unless Türkiye makes fundamental and comprehensive changes to the defence systems it procured from Russia.
“No Approval Will Come from the Senate” Claim
Speaking to Channel 12 television, which broadcasts in Israel, Huckabee evaluated the process regarding a possible F-35 sale to Türkiye. Arguing that the sale would not receive approval from the US Senate, Huckabee drew attention to US laws and used the following statements:
“Under US laws, Türkiye cannot obtain the F-35s unless it makes major and comprehensive changes to the equipment it purchased from Russia.”
“Türkiye and Israel Are Not Equal Allies”
In his remarks, Huckabee also made striking assessments suggesting that Türkiye and Israel are not equal allies in the eyes of the United States. Arguing that it is not correct to consider Türkiye and Israel on the same level, Huckabee said:
“The assumption that there is an equality here and that it can be thought of as ‘ally A, ally B’ is not correct.”
F-35 Debates Back on the Agenda
These statements by the US ambassador come at a time when discussions about Türkiye–US defence relations, the S-400 crisis, and Türkiye’s possible return to the F-35 programme have once again come to the fore. The remarks are also being closely monitored in terms of the political and military balance in Washington.
