US lawmakers target Turkey over Hamas and F-35s, clash with Trump administration

US lawmakers are seeking to ban arms sales to Turkey, including F-35 jets, through new amendments in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. The proposed legislation cites several concerns, including Turkey's possession of the Russian S-400 air defense system, violations of Greek airspace, and its occupation of Northern Cyprus. A key focus of the amendments is Turkey's relationship with Hamas, with one proposal requiring White House certification that Ankara is not materially supporting the group before any F-35 sale can proceed. These congressional actions underscore the growing friction between the US and its NATO ally over regional policies, particularly concerning Israel and Syria.