Turkey has moved to seek an Interpol red notice for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Turkish authorities issued an arrest warrant against him in a domestic criminal case linked to Israel’s interception of activists trying to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said arrest warrants had been issued for Netanyahu and another suspect over charges including genocide, crimes against humanity and torture. The case covers 35 people accused in connection with the Israeli interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters.
Gurlek said the Turkish Justice Ministry had asked the Interior Ministry to request Interpol red notices for Netanyahu and the other suspect. “In line with the arrest warrants issued against Benjamin Netanyahu … our justice ministry has requested that the interior ministry issue (Interpol) red notices for them so that they may be sought internationally,” he said. He added that Turkey would use “all available legal mechanisms” to ensure Israel is held accountable for what Ankara describes as crimes in Gaza.
Turkey targets Netanyahu over flotilla confrontation
The case follows a May confrontation involving the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was making another attempt to reach Gaza with humanitarian aid after earlier missions had been intercepted by Israel in international waters. Israeli forces opened fire on at least two vessels as the flotilla sailed towards the enclave.
Turkey has been among Israel’s strongest critics over the Gaza war and has previously issued domestic arrest warrants for Netanyahu. Ankara has repeatedly called for international action against Israel over what it says are violations of human rights and international law. Israel rejects those allegations.
Turkey explains what an interpol red notice means
An Interpol red notice is a request sent to police forces around the world to locate and provisionally arrest a person while extradition proceedings are considered. The notice itself is not an international arrest warrant. Interpol reviews requests made by member states before deciding whether to issue a red notice.
Netanyahu’s office dismissed the Turkish move. Asked about Gurlek’s statement, it said: “(Turkish President Tayyip) Erdogan’s pathetic attempt to intimidate the leaders and soldiers of Israel, the only true democracy in the Middle East, will go nowhere.”
Turkey and Israel clash again over Syria
The latest dispute comes amid another sharp confrontation between Turkey and Israel over Syria. Israel this week carried out airstrikes on a Syrian air base where it said Turkish troops could be deployed. Ankara condemned the strikes, while the United States also criticised Israel’s action. Syria, however, has said there are no plans to deploy Turkish troops to the base.
Turkey’s growing influence in Syria has raised concern in Israel since President Ahmed al-Sharaa, an ally of Ankara, toppled veteran leader Bashar al-Assad in 2024. Ankara has also said Israeli rhetoric against Turkey and its actions in Syria are being driven by the approach of Israel’s parliamentary election in October.
(with inputs from Reuters)
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Khalid Lateef is a Sub-Editor at NewsX Digital, specializing in Indian politics and global affairs. He also covers viral trending stories and major crime developments.
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