Turkey issues arrest warrant for Israel’s Netanyahu over genocide case
Turkish authorities have also sought international action against another Israeli national.
Turkey’s Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said his ministry asked the Interior Ministry to seek Interpol red notices for Netanyahu and Afek Moskovitch. The request follows legal proceedings over the treatment of activists aboard the flotilla.
Flotilla interception triggers legal case
The case relates to the interception of an aid flotilla carrying hundreds of activists who were travelling towards Gaza. The incident in international waters sparked criticism and legal proceedings in several countries.
Gurlek said arrest warrants had been issued on July 14, 2026, against Netanyahu and Moskovitch over alleged genocide. He said the Justice Ministry had requested international arrest alerts as part of the proceedings.
Serious charges listed
According to the Turkish Justice Ministry, Netanyahu and Moskovitch are being prosecuted over several alleged offences. These include “crimes against humanity, genocide, aggravated deprivation of liberty, 'intentional assault and battery,' torture, destruction of property, aggravated looting, and hijacking of transport vehicles.”
The Turkish government has been a strong critic of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza since October 2023. The flotilla case has added another point of tension between Ankara and the Israeli government.
Activists detained after interception
Around 50 vessels were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which left Turkey in May and headed towards Gaza. Organisers said the flotilla aimed to challenge what they described as an Israeli blockade of the Palestinian territory.
Israeli forces intercepted the activists in international waters and took them to an Israeli prison before they were expelled. The detention of the activists drew international attention, while reports of their treatment further intensified criticism.
Video adds to controversy
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also faced criticism after releasing a video involving several detained flotilla activists. The footage showed activists on their knees with their hands tied behind their backs while Ben-Gvir taunted them.
Turkey’s latest legal move could increase diplomatic pressure surrounding the Gaza conflict. The requested Interpol notices, however, are part of Turkey’s legal proceedings and do not by themselves mean that an international arrest will automatically take place.
Turkey’s action shows how the Gaza conflict is increasingly moving into international courts and legal institutions. The flotilla case has added another legal dispute involving senior Israeli officials.
The next stage will depend on how Turkish authorities and international bodies handle the requests. The case could also add further pressure to already tense relations between Turkey and Israel.
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