Trump praises Erdoğan, says Netanyahu 'respects' Turkish leader

US President Donald Trump delivered strong public praise for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during a press briefing after his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida. Trump, describing Erdoğan as a "very good friend," asserted that Netanyahu also respects the Turkish leader and predicted no issues between them. "He is one of my best friends," Trump said, "I have respect for him. Bibi [Netanyahu] respects him too, and there will be no problem between them."

Trump's Unwavering Support for Erdoğan and Türkiye

Elaborating on his relationship with Ankara, Trump claimed a unique ability to work with Türkiye. "You've seen me do things with President Erdoğan and Türkiye that nobody could do," he stated. "He did a great job. I'm with Erdoğan all the way, completely. I'm with Bibi all the way. Nothing is going to happen." He also credited Erdoğan with positive actions in Syria, saying, "Erdoğan saved the region. He got rid of the bad people in Syria for us."

Netanyahu's Stance and the F-35 Question

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, standing beside Trump, commented on the regional context, noting that having a peaceful border with Syria is also in Israel's interest. When questioned by reporters about a potential sale of F-35 advanced fighter jets to Türkiye, a long-standing and contentious issue, Trump responded, "We are thinking about that very seriously." This remark signals a potential policy shift, as the US had previously removed Türkiye from the F-35 program in 2019 over its purchase of a Russian missile defense system.

Broader Regional Implications and Message to Hamas

The meeting primarily focused on advancing the US-led peace plan for Gaza. Trump issued a warning to Hamas, stating that if the group does not disarm, "the price will be heavy." The public affirmation of strong ties with both Israel and Türkiye appears to be part of Trump's strategy to align key regional partners behind his diplomatic initiatives. By positioning himself as a close partner to both leaders, Trump aims to mitigate historical tensions between Ankara and Jerusalem to facilitate broader stability efforts in the Middle East.