As the United States prepares to sell 80 F110 jet engines to Turkey for its indigenous KAAN fighter project as a diplomatic gesture from U.S. President Donald Trump to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to multiple media reports, Jerusalem is disturbed by these developments.

Trump has also indicated he is open to approving F-35 jet sales to Turkey, though this would require Congressional approval and demands of Turkey to disengage itself from the acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 air defense systems.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to meet Trump following the NATO summit in Ankara, where the president is expected to praise the Turkish leader and discuss defense deals. The diplomatic maneuvers sparked fears in Jerusalem that the moves toward Ankara will strengthen Turkey’s military capabilities and sideline Israeli security interests regarding the balance of power and the F-35 fighter jet program.