ByGOLDIE KATZThe Jerusalem Post
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to CNN on Tuesday regarding the US sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, shortly after US President Donald Trump discussed the sale with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a press conference in Ankara.

Netanyahu told CNN that he had spoken to Trump about his concerns regarding the possibility that the sale could disrupt the balance of power in the region.

He asserted that despite Trump’s relationship with Erdogan, Turkey is not a “friendly state” to the US due to Ankara’s ties to the Muslim Brotherhood terrorist organization.

Netanyahu also noted Erdogan’s support for Hamas and history of imprisoning political opponents and journalists.

“He’s not exactly a model ally of the United States,” Netanyahu continued, adding that Erdogan has threatened America’s NATO allies and has repeatedly threatened to destroy Israel.

“Turkey, I think, has aggressive aspirations. They openly say that they want to restore the Ottoman Empire,” Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu, Trump see eye to eye on ‘big things’ despite differences

When asked about possible disagreements between Trump and Netanyahu, the prime minister emphasized that the US and Israel remain close allies, but “even allies can have differences.”

Netanyahu stated that the two leaders see eye to eye on “big things,” including giving Iran the chance to resolve issues regarding its nuclear program through negotiation.

Netanyahu commended Trump for his contributions to the war with Iran.

“He brought a huge American force to counter our common enemy, which is Iran, that chants death to Israel, death to America,” Netanyahu explained, denying that the US president had forcibly imposed a ceasefire with Tehran on Israel.

He added that he had some doubts regarding the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding that triggered the ceasefire, but asserted that “it’s too early to say what will happen.”

“Deal or no deal, I certainly will not let Iran have nuclear weapons, and that is also the president’s position,” Netanyahu told CNN.

Netanyahu condemns West Bank settler violence

CNN also asked Netanyahu about recent incidents of Jewish settler violence in the West Bank, probing the prime minister on what measures are being taken to stop attacks against Palestinians.

Netanyahu condemned settler violence as “a violation of the basic norms” of Israel.

“Our citizens cannot practice violence against anyone. If we have to apply force, it’s law and order. It’s the police and the military that have to do that,” he emphasized.

“It’s wrong on its own account. I don’t want and don’t accept vigilantism. And I don’t care if it comes from Arabs or Jews.”

Netanyahu vowed that, despite widespread vilification of Israel for settler violence, incidents in the West Bank will be investigated. “Israel is a transparent country. You can’t hide things… We’re a real democracy.”