Turkey says it will seek an INTERPOL red notice for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of a domestic criminal case linked to the interception of a Gaza aid flotilla.
Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said arrest warrants had been issued for Netanyahu and another suspect in a case involving 35 people. The allegations include genocide, crimes against humanity and torture. Israel rejected Turkey’s move and called it a failed attempt to intimidate Israeli leaders and soldiers.
| Main Topic | Turkey seeks an INTERPOL red notice for Benjamin Netanyahu |
| Person Involved | Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister |
| Country Seeking Action | Turkey |
| Turkish Official | Justice Minister Akin Gurlek |
| Case | Gaza aid flotilla case |
| Allegations | Genocide, crimes against humanity and torture |
| INTERPOL Notice Status | Requested, not yet issued |
| Israel's Response | Israel rejected Turkey's move |
| Important Note | A red notice is not an international arrest warrant |
Turkey Seeks INTERPOL Notice for Netanyahu
Turkey’s Justice Ministry has asked the Interior Ministry to request INTERPOL red notices for Netanyahu and another suspect, according to Justice Minister Akin Gurlek.
Gurlek said the request was based on arrest warrants issued in Turkey. The case concerns the interception of activists and aid vessels traveling toward Gaza in international waters.
A red notice is a request to police agencies around the world to locate and provisionally arrest a person while extradition proceedings are considered. INTERPOL reviews requests from member countries before deciding whether to issue a notice.
The Turkish government said it would use available legal measures to pursue accountability for what it describes as crimes connected to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
What Turkish Officials Said
Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said:
“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.”
Gurlek also said Turkey would continue using legal mechanisms to hold Israel accountable for what Ankara describes as crimes in Gaza.
Israel Rejects Turkey's Move
Netanyahu’s office rejected the Turkish government’s announcement.
In response to Gurlek’s statement, Netanyahu’s office said:
“Erdogan’s pathetic attempt to intimidate the leaders and soldiers of Israel, the only true democracy in the Middle East, will go nowhere.”
The statement reflects the wider dispute between Turkey and Israel over the Gaza war and Israel’s military actions in the region.
Israel denies allegations that it has violated international law or committed the crimes alleged by Turkish authorities.
Background of the Gaza Flotilla Case
The case is connected to the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international effort to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
In May, Israeli forces intercepted vessels from the flotilla as they attempted to reach Gaza. Reuters reported that Israeli forces opened fire on at least two vessels during the renewed mission.
The incident followed earlier interceptions involving activists traveling toward the Gaza Strip.
Turkey has been among Israel’s strongest critics over the war in Gaza. Ankara has previously taken domestic legal steps against Netanyahu and has called for international action over what it describes as violations of human rights and international law.
An INTERPOL red notice is an international request asking law enforcement agencies to locate and provisionally arrest a person.
It is important to note that a red notice is not itself an international arrest warrant. INTERPOL reviews requests submitted by member countries before deciding whether to publish a notice.
The practical effect of any notice would also depend on the laws and decisions of individual countries where the person might travel.
Turkey and Israel Face Wider Tensions
The latest dispute comes as Turkey and Israel are also trading accusations over Syria.
Israel recently carried out airstrikes on a Syrian air base, saying Turkish troops could potentially be deployed there. Turkey condemned the Israeli action, while the United States also criticized the strikes.
Syria has said there were no plans to deploy Turkish troops to the base.
Turkey’s growing role in Syria has added another source of tension between Ankara and Jerusalem.
Turkey Seeks INTERPOL Notice for Netanyahu
Turkey’s Interior Ministry would need to submit the requested INTERPOL red notice request.
INTERPOL would then review the request under its rules before deciding whether to issue a notice.
The Turkish legal case and any possible international action remain separate from the broader political dispute between Turkey and Israel.
Turkey is seeking an INTERPOL red notice for Benjamin Netanyahu as part of a domestic case linked to the interception of a Gaza aid flotilla.
