U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly expected to arrive in Israel on Wednesday to address Israeli concerns over a potential sale of F-35 stealth fighters to Turkey. According to reports from CNN and Axios, the visit also aims to discuss Iran.
Hegseth’s Diplomatic Mission to Israel and Turkey
Secretary Hegseth’s trip follows a meeting in Ankara where President Donald Trump stated he would “certainly consider” selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. During a NATO summit on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Trump noted that the U.S. has a “better relationship” with Turkey, describing the nation as in many ways much more loyal than other countries. While Trump framed the decision as one still under deliberation, Reuters cited two sources familiar with the matter reporting that the president is expected to throw his support behind the sale.
Hegseth is likely to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz. The visit serves as a touchpoint to manage the friction between two allies.
Israel’s Opposition to Turkish F-35 Acquisition
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Tuesday that he urged President Trump against the move. Israel’s opposition is based on concerns that selling the stealth jets to Ankara would undermine Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region, which U.S. law commits to maintaining. Additionally, Turkey’s leaders have likened Israel’s conduct in Gaza to that of the Nazis during the Holocaust.
Greece is also said to be against the sale.
Escalating Conflict with Iran
Beyond the F-35 dispute, Hegseth’s visit occurs amid a spike in hostilities with Iran. The U.S. military unleashed a new wave of strikes on Tuesday after three tankers were hit by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz. This action has put further pressure on the already fragile ceasefire.
Iran’s top joint military command vowed a “crushing response” to the strikes. Following these threats, Iranian forces carried out attacks on U.S. allies Bahrain and Kuwait. According to CNN and Axios, Iran is expected to be a topic of conversation.
The F-35 Program and Legal Hurdles
Turkey was removed from the multinational program to purchase F-35 fighter jets in 2020 over its purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems.
Specifically, the removal of sanctions issued under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act would help ease that process. President Trump confirmed on Tuesday that Hegseth was among the officials working on the issue.
| Country | Current Status | Primary Conflict/Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Israel | Operated the aircraft for over a decade | Seeks to prevent the sale of the F-35 to other nearby countries. |
| Turkey | Removed (2020) | Purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems. |
The outcome of Hegseth’s visit will likely determine if the U.S. can balance its desire to strengthen ties with Ankara without compromising the strategic security guarantees provided to Israel.
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