Trump Suggests Turkey More Loyal Than Unnamed Ally After Netanyahu Criticism
"We have a better relationship with Turkey and Turkey's been in many ways much more loyal than other countries that we think would be loyal. So yeah, it's something certainly we would consider."
About this episode
Breaking Points hosts Ryan Grim and his co-host analyze escalating tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump over Turkey. Netanyahu appeared on Fox News and CNN to publicly oppose Trump's consideration of selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, arguing it would upset regional power balance and threaten Israeli security. Trump, meeting with Turkish President Erdogan in Ankara, responded by stating Turkey has been more loyal than other unnamed allies, an apparent rebuke to Netanyahu. The hosts dissect Netanyahu's hypocrisy in criticizing Turkey for jailing journalists and political opponents while Israel does the same, and argue his real concern is maintaining Israeli air superiority in the region rather than any genuine balance of power. They note Netanyahu accused Turkey of threatening Greece and occupying Cyprus while Israel simultaneously bombs multiple countries. The discussion reveals how Netanyahu's public campaign activated American neoconservative media figures like Mark Levin to pressure Trump against the Turkey deal. The hosts also cover Israel's continued violations of ceasefires, including new strikes on Lebanon and a particularly cruel incident where Israeli forces killed a Palestinian relief worker who was organizing public TV screenings of the Egypt-Argentina World Cup match. They argue the situation demonstrates the instability of the US-Israel alliance and predict NATO's potential collapse will stem from Israeli aggression rather than Ukraine-Russia tensions, crediting commentator Bruno Messias for prescient analysis on this dynamic.
Key takeaways
- Netanyahu bypassed diplomatic channels to appear on Fox News and CNN opposing Trump's potential F-35 sale to NATO ally Turkey
- Trump suggested Turkey has been more loyal than unnamed allies in apparent rebuke to Netanyahu following the Israeli leader's public lobbying campaign
- Netanyahu claimed Turkey threatens regional balance while Israel maintains air superiority allowing it to bomb multiple countries without opposition
- Israel violated Lebanon ceasefire with drone strike killing school principal and civilians returning to check on their destroyed homes
- Israeli forces killed Palestinian relief worker organizing World Cup viewing event for Gaza residents one hour before the Egypt-Argentina match
- American neoconservative media figures activated coordinated pressure campaign echoing Netanyahu's talking points against Turkey arms deal
- Hosts argue NATO collapse will result from Israeli regional aggression rather than Ukraine-Russia conflict as previously predicted