Netanyahu Warns Trump Over Erdoğan's Anti-Israel Rhetoric as Regional Tensions Escalate

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned U.S. President Donald Trump about what he described as "anti-Israel statements" made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his allies during a phone call on Thursday, according to Netanyahu's office.

The leaders reaffirmed continued U.S.-Israel coordination, while Netanyahu emphasized the need for security zones along Israel's borders and raised concerns over Ankara's increasingly critical stance toward Israel.

The call comes amid growing tensions between Israel and Turkey. Earlier this week, Erdoğan dismissed Israeli claims that a potential U.S. sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey would disrupt the regional balance of power, calling the allegations "misleading."

According to Netanyahu's office, Trump also briefed the Israeli leader on ongoing U.S. military operations in the Gulf. Meanwhile, Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported, citing an unnamed source, that Israel is awaiting U.S. approval to participate in strikes against Iran.

The United States has carried out military strikes against Iran over the past two days, saying they were a response to attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, in turn, claimed on Thursday that it targeted U.S. military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Speaking later from Hatzerim Airbase, Netanyahu said Israel's conflict with Iran "is not over," stressing that Israel remains committed to preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, whether through diplomacy or military action.

Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said the military is closely monitoring developments involving Iran and Lebanon and remains on high alert, prepared to respond rapidly to any attack.