Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply condemned Turkey’s decision to initiate procedures seeking an international “red notice” for his arrest and that of Afek Moskovitch, amid Turkish investigations into alleged Israeli actions in Gaza and the detention of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Netanyahu responded by attacking Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, calling him an “antisemitic dictator” and accusing him of repressing political opponents and journalists, supporting Hamas and interfering in regional affairs.
Netanyahu alleged that Erdoğan had “massacred Kurds, sheltered Hamas terrorists, occupied half of Cyprus and imprisoned a record number of journalists and political opponents.”
The Israeli prime minister also accused Turkey of attempting to extend its confrontation with Israel into Syria, saying Ankara’s efforts to pressure Israeli political leaders and military personnel would not succeed.
Turkey seeks international arrest notice
Turkey’s Justice Minister Akin Gürlek said the Justice Ministry had asked the Interior Ministry to proceed with a request for an international red notice seeking the arrest of Netanyahu and Moskovitch.
Turkish authorities allege that the two are suspected of a range of offenses, including crimes against humanity, genocide, aggravated deprivation of liberty, intentional bodily harm, mistreatment, property damage, looting and the seizure of means of transportation.
Gürlek said Turkey would not allow those it considers responsible for actions in Gaza to escape accountability.
He added that Ankara would use all legal mechanisms available under Turkish and international law to pursue individuals whom Turkish authorities consider responsible for the alleged crimes.
Global Sumud Flotilla at center of dispute
The Turkish case also centers on the Global Sumud Flotilla incident.
In May, around 430 crew members from 50 vessels intercepted by the Israeli military in the Mediterranean, west of Cyprus, were taken to Israel. They were held at Ktziot prison before being deported.
The detention of the activists prompted international criticism, particularly after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir released a video showing some of the detained activists kneeling with their hands restrained.
The episode has become another major source of tension between Ankara and Jerusalem as Turkey continues to strongly criticize Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The latest dispute adds another layer to the already strained relationship between Israel and Turkey, with both governments increasingly confronting each other over Gaza, Syria and broader regional security issues.
The Turkish move to seek an international arrest notice for Netanyahu represents a significant escalation in the diplomatic confrontation, although the practical implications of such a request would depend on the relevant international legal and judicial mechanisms.
