US President Donald Trump was reportedly angered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s public criticism of a proposed US sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkiye, according to an Axios report. The disagreement highlights growing tensions between the two allies over regional security and diplomacy. White House officials said no meeting between the two leaders has been scheduled despite media speculation.
According to Axios, Trump reacted after Netanyahu criticised the proposed fighter jet sale during a Fox News interview before the NATO summit in Ankara. Two White House officials reportedly said Trump believed Netanyahu had no right to intervene in the proposed US arms deal. The White House has not officially commented on the report.
Read more: Trump says he will lift Türkiye sanctions, decide on selling F–35s
The report said Netanyahu had sought a meeting with Trump for more than two weeks. Israeli media had reported that the prime minister planned to visit Washington after attending the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham. However, Netanyahu’s office later announced that the trip was cancelled after the memorial service was postponed.
White House officials told Axios that no meeting had been confirmed or added to Trump’s official schedule. One official reportedly said Netanyahu appeared to be trying to create the impression that a meeting had already been arranged. Officials, however, did not rule out future talks when the Israeli leader eventually visits Washington.
Read more: Netanyahu urges Trump to block F–35 sale
The reported disagreement comes as differences emerge between the Trump administration and Netanyahu’s government over diplomacy with Iran. US Vice President JD Vance recently suggested some Israeli officials were attempting to undermine Washington’s diplomatic efforts with Tehran. The developments point to increasing strains in US-Israel relations despite their longstanding alliance.