Hegseth Cancels Israel Visit as F-35 Sale to Turkey and Iran Strikes Roil Region
The cancellation, following US strikes on Iran, scuttles talks on Ankara’s bid for stealth jets and deepens Israeli concerns over the military balance.
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth cancelled a planned visit to Israel on Wednesday, according to Israeli sources, scrapping meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz that were to address the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey and coordinate on Iran. The decision came hours after American forces launched strikes on Iranian territory, prompting President Donald Trump to declare the US-Iran ceasefire memorandum “over” and Tehran to retaliate against US positions in the Gulf. The US embassy in Israel declined to comment.
Viewed from Washington, the visit was intended to reassure Israel over the administration’s rapidly warming ties with Ankara. At the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump announced the lifting of sanctions imposed on Turkey over its 2019 purchase of Russian S-400 air defence systems and signalled he was prepared to sell F-35s, describing Turkey as a loyal ally. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Ankara had previously been promised five jets and expected a favourable decision. In Jerusalem, however, Netanyahu publicly opposed the sale, telling CNN it would “destroy the power balance in the Middle East” and that Erdoğan “threatens to destroy my country.” Israeli officials view Turkey’s hosting of Hamas leaders, its criticism of Israeli operations in Gaza, and its expanding naval doctrine as evidence of a pattern of regional rivalry.
The F-35 dossier remains legally blocked. Under the 2020 National Defence Authorisation Act, the transfer of the stealth aircraft to any country operating the Russian S-400 system is prohibited, and Congress has codified this ban. A bipartisan group of lawmakers wrote to Trump on 2 July expressing “deep concern” over any sale, citing Turkey’s defence partnerships with US adversaries. Analysts in European capitals note that even if the White House issues a waiver, it would face fierce resistance on Capitol Hill. Israel, currently the sole Middle Eastern operator of the F-35, argues that providing the jet to Turkey would erode its qualitative military edge, a principle enshrined in US law.
The cancellation of Hegseth’s trip leaves the diplomatic track in limbo. No new date has been set, and the Pentagon has not commented on the reasons beyond the immediate operational demands of the Iran strikes. The broader US-Turkey rapprochement, which Trump frames as reintegrating a vital NATO ally, collides with Israeli security assessments and congressional scepticism. With the US-Iran ceasefire collapsed and the Strait of Hormuz again a flashpoint, the F-35 question is now entangled in a wider regional crisis. The next steps are expected to include congressional hearings on any sanctions waiver, while Israeli officials continue to press their case directly with the White House.
| Iranian & allied press | −0.80 | critical |
|---|---|---|
| Russian & CIS press | 0.00 | neutral |
| Latin American press | 0.00 | neutral |
Iran defends regional stability and accuses the US and Israel of collusion. It sides with Turkey against the Zionist entity.
By consistently referring to Israel as 'occupied territories' and 'Zionist regime', the narrative delegitimizes the Israeli state and frames any US-Israel cooperation as inherently aggressive. This rhetorical choice makes the F-35 sale to Turkey appear as a just counterbalance.
The Iranian bloc omits the US airstrikes on Iran that occurred the same night, which would contextualize the visit as part of a broader US-Iran confrontation.
Russia observes the US-Israel-Turkey dynamics from a distance, portraying the US as a manager of alliance anxieties. It does not take sides but highlights the strategic implications for regional balance.
By using neutral language and focusing on the diplomatic process, the Russian press presents the visit as a normal part of US alliance politics, downplaying any conflict. The mention of Netanyahu's interview adds a factual basis without emotional charge.
The Latin American outlet reports the visit as a straightforward diplomatic event, without taking a position. It focuses on the logistical aspect and the potential disruption from US military action in Iran.
By omitting the F-35 context entirely, the report reduces the visit to a routine bilateral meeting, stripping it of its geopolitical significance. This selective omission makes the story appear less contentious.
The Latin American bloc omits the central issue of potential F-35 sales to Turkey, which is the stated purpose of the visit according to other blocs.
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