Turkiye Seeks Interpol Warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu Over Gaza Flotilla Attack

Turkiye has officially requested an international arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, charging him with genocide following a military attack in May on activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla for Gaza.

Writing on X on Friday, Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced that arrest warrants had been issued on July 14 for Benjamin Netanyahu and another individual. The charges encompass genocide, crimes against humanity, and torture, forming part of a broader legal case involving 35 people stemming from the Israeli interception in international waters.

“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,” Akin Gurlek stated, adding that Turkiye intends to pursue all legal avenues to hold Israel accountable for actions in Gaza.

As a NATO member, Turkiye remains a prominent critic of the military campaign in Gaza and has previously established domestic arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu. While Ankara continues to press for international measures against Israel over alleged human rights and international law violations, Israel firmly denies these accusations.

The incident in May involved Israeli forces firing upon at least two vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla as they attempted to bring aid to the blockaded Palestinian territory. The interception drew widespread international condemnation, prompting parallel judicial proceedings in France, Italy, and Australia.

The flotilla, comprising approximately 50 vessels departing from Turkiye in May, was intercepted in the Mediterranean by the Israeli military. Activists were detained, transported to an Israeli prison, and subsequently deported. Controversy also arose when Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, published a video showing himself provoking detained activists.

“We will not allow the crimes committed in Gaza to be covered up or those responsible to be protected by a shield of impunity,” Akin Gurlek emphasized.

In response to these developments, the office of Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the action, stating: “Erdogan’s pathetic attempt to intimidate the leaders and soldiers of Israel, the only true democracy in the Middle East, will go nowhere.” The office further accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of antisemitism.

Shortly after, the office of Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a statement on X condemning Benjamin Netanyahu’s tactics and rejecting allegations that Turkiye represents a regional threat.