Israel Blocked UAE Purchase of S-400 Systems from Turkey, Reports Say
Israel reportedly urged the UAE to block the purchase of Russian S-400 systems from Turkey to prevent Ankara's return to the F-35 fighter jet program, according to reports.
Israel reportedly intervened with the United Arab Emirates to block a potential purchase of Russian-made S-400 air defense systems from Turkey, according to the Turkish news outlet Haber 7. The diplomatic move aimed to prevent the lifting of U.S. sanctions against Ankara and block its potential return to the F-35 fighter jet program.
The S-400 Dispute and U.S. Relations
The S-400 systems have been a central point of contention between Washington and Ankara for years. The United States imposed sanctions on Turkey's defense industry agency following the procurement of the Russian systems and removed Ankara from the F-35 stealth fighter program. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack stated in New York that discussions regarding the removal of the systems from Turkish territory and the potential lifting of sanctions are still ongoing.
Israeli Intervention and New Formulas
According to the reports, Turkey and Russia had already reached understandings regarding the transfer of the systems to a Gulf state, identified as the United Arab Emirates. However, Israeli diplomatic pressure reportedly convinced Abu Dhabi to stall the final acquisition. Ankara is now formulating a new approach to bypass the regional obstacle and finalize the agreement to restore its defense ties with Washington.
