Pakistan, July 7 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged U.S. President Donald Trump to block advanced weapons sales to Turkey, including potential F-35 fighter jet deals. Netanyahu raised the issue during a July 3 phone call, citing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's increasingly hostile rhetoric against Israel. The request could affect U.S.-Turkey defense ties and regional military balance ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara.

According to U.S. and Israeli officials, Netanyahu formally complained about Erdogan's recent statements criticizing Israel. He argued that supplying advanced aircraft or engines to Turkey would undermine Israel's military advantage in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Trump is expected to meet Erdogan d...