According to a video from 07:50 posted on Fox News, on Tuesday July 7, 2026, retired General Jack Keane directed sharp criticism at Turkish President Erdogan, saying he is a Muslim Brotherhood affiliated leader who is pro Hamas and anti Israel, calling for the destruction of the Israeli state.
The remarks came during a discussion of a possible U.S. defense deal that would allow Turkey to purchase F-35 fighter jets.
Keane made the comments while addressing reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had personally urged President Trump to hold off on the jet deal.
Keane said the tension between Washington and Ankara reflects a deeper divide over Middle East policy that has grown more pronounced in recent years.
The retired four star general said Erdogan has rejected the Abraham Accords, an agreement Keane credited as a signature achievement of the Trump administration.
He added that Erdogan is expanding influence over Syria and building an informal coalition with Pakistan, Egypt, Azerbaijan, and Saudi Arabia, a bloc Keane said is meant to reduce American influence in the region.
In his words, General Jack Keane said, “the fact of the matter is that Erdogan is a Muslim Brotherhood, he is pro Hamas and anti Israel, calling for the destruction of the state of Israel, he does not agree with Abraham Accords, which is an achievement of the Trump administration, he is exercising domination and control over Syria.”
Keane said despite these strategic disagreements, Erdogan maintains a cordial personal relationship with President Trump and remains a member of NATO.
He argued this contradiction makes the proposed F-35 sale a difficult decision, since Erdogan’s broader objectives run counter to core American and Israeli security interests in the region.
The comments came as leaders gathered in Turkey for the NATO summit, where defense sales and alliance unity were expected to be major topics of discussion between Washington and Ankara….See More