Trump's F-35 statement: 'We are thinking about it very seriously'

During the meeting held in the Palm Beach area of Florida, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu answered questions from members of the press before and after their talks. The latest developments in the Middle East were a major focus of the meeting, which marked Netanyahu's sixth visit to the U.S. this year.

While Trump used words of praise for Netanyahu, he also drew attention to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's role in both the regime change process in Syria and the Israel-Palestine ceasefire.

“ERDOĞAN IS A VERY GOOD FRIEND OF MINE”

When asked about the possibility of a potential conflict between Israel and Turkey, Trump said of President Erdoğan, “I know President Erdoğan very well, and as you all know, he is a very good friend of mine. I respect him. Bibi respects him too. They will not have a problem.”

Referring to past diplomatic contacts with Turkey, Trump said, “You have seen me do things with Erdoğan and Turkey that no one else could do. We will not have a problem.”

“WE ARE EVALUATING IT VERY SERIOUSLY”

The U.S. President also responded to a question regarding the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. Trump stated, “We are thinking about it very seriously.”

Stating that the reconstruction of Gaza would begin as soon as possible, Trump responded to a question about the potential relocation of Palestinians living in Gaza to other regions by saying, “If they were shown a better place, I think more than half of them would go. But I don't want to talk about that right now.”

Trump, who claimed they have brought peace to the Middle East, described his relationship with Netanyahu by saying, “It couldn't be better.” He called Netanyahu “a war prime minister” and added, “If it weren't for him, maybe Israel wouldn't be here today.”

“VERY TERRIBLE THINGS COULD HAPPEN”

Stating that there could be severe consequences if Hamas fails to implement the ceasefire agreement and refuses to disarm, Trump said, “In such a case, you cannot blame me or Israel.”

The U.S. President stated that they want to move to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, noting that this phase envisions the deployment of an international peacekeeping force to Gaza.

Reminding that the parties accuse each other of ceasefire violations, Trump stated that Israel has fulfilled its obligations under the agreement, while Hamas has not taken steps toward disarmament.

In his remarks before the meeting, Trump also mentioned that they would discuss the possibility of deploying a Turkish peacekeeping force to Gaza with Netanyahu.

MESSAGE ON IRAN

The attacks carried out by Israel against Iran in June and the subsequent U.S. targeting of Iran's nuclear facilities were also on the agenda. Trump said these attacks damaged Iran's prestige in the region and reduced its influence.

“If the attacks on Iran hadn't taken place, there would be no peace,” Trump said, adding that a new major attack could be supported if Tehran continues its ballistic missile or nuclear weapons program.

Trump stated that they are closely monitoring Iran's activities, saying, “We know exactly where they are going and what they are doing. I hope they aren't doing it.” Referring to the bombers used previously, Trump said, “We don't want to waste the fuel of the B-2s. It takes 37 hours round-trip.”

SYRIA-ISRAEL RELATIONS ALSO DISCUSSED

Trump also spoke about Ahmed Shara, the leader of the transitional government in Syria, saying, “He is not a nice guy, but he is a very strong man. We are working well with him.”

Regarding Syria's relations with Israel, Trump said, “I am sure he will get along well with Israel, too. And I will make sure the two of them get along.”

News Source: 12punto