Turkey has requested an Interpol Red Notice for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Afek Moscowich, according to reports from the pro-government newspaper Yeni Safak and broadcaster bTV. The move stems from an ongoing investigation into the interception of the Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla in international waters.
Interpol Red Notice Request Follows Istanbul Court Arrest Orders
According to Turkish Minister of Justice Akin Gurlek, cited by bTV and bgonair.bg, the 11th High Penal Court in Istanbul issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Afek Moscowich on July 14, 2026. The judicial proceedings involve a total of 35 defendants under case number 2026/108. Following the court decision, the Turkish Ministry of Justice asked the Ministry of Interior to initiate procedures with Interpol for international arrest warrants, with documents also sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“We will use national and international legal mechanisms,” Justice Minister Gurlek stated, as reported by bgonair.bg. He added that Ankara will not allow actions in Gaza to be shielded by impunity.
Global Sumud Flotilla Interception and Evacuation of Activists
The legal case centers on the military interception of the Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla in May 2026. The vessels were sailing toward the Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian supplies when Israeli forces boarded them in international waters amid heightened tensions over enclave access. Turkey subsequently sent three aircraft to Israel to repatriate humanitarian activists, including 78 Turkish citizens brought back on special Turkish Airlines flights, as detailed by bTV.
The incident drew sharp condemnation from Turkey, Austria, Italy, and other nations whose citizens participated in the mission. Governments and activists denounced the physical and verbal actions taken against those attempting to deliver aid before being deported.
Did you know?
Escalating Tensions Between Turkey and Israel Beyond Gaza
The diplomatic friction between Ankara and Jerusalem extends beyond maritime access to Gaza, touching on military developments in Syria. On Tuesday, the Israeli military conducted airstrikes on the Abu ad Duhur air base near Aleppo. According to regional reports, the strikes served as a warning against the potential establishment of a Turkish military presence in the area.
Turkey condemned the bombardment and denied having plans to station troops in Syria. An American envoy similarly criticized the operation, describing it as an unnecessary escalation. Just a day prior, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in an Israel Army Radio interview, according to bTV, “We will not tolerate the gradual military strengthening of Turkey in a southern direction, because this represents a threat to us.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Turkey request an Interpol Red Notice for Benjamin Netanyahu?
Turkey requested the Red Notice through the Ministry of Justice following arrest warrants issued by an Istanbul court regarding the interception of the Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla in international waters in May 2026.
What specific charges are included in the Turkish court case?
According to bgonair.bg, the case before the 11th High Penal Court in Istanbul includes 35 defendants and features charges such as genocide, crimes against humanity, torture, qualified unlawful deprivation of liberty, and the seizure of transport vehicles.
How did Turkey respond when the humanitarian flotilla was intercepted?
In May 2026, Ankara dispatched three aircraft to Israel to evacuate humanitarian activists, returning 78 Turkish citizens via special Turkish Airlines flights after they were detained and deported.
Stay Informed on Global Diplomacy
Subscribe to our newsletter for verified updates on international relations, legal proceedings, and regional security developments delivered straight to your inbox.
Keep reading