Turkey Requests Interpol Red Notice to Arrest Netanyahu Over Gaza Flotilla Incident

Turkey has formally requested Interpol to issue a "red notice" for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The request, made by the Turkish Minister of Justice on a Friday, seeks international assistance in detaining Netanyahu on charges including assaulting the "Close" flotilla, genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. This legal action is part of a criminal case proceeding in absentia at the Istanbul High Criminal Court. The accusations stem from the armed interception of the international Somoud flotilla en route to Gaza in international waters.

This development follows a prior decision on November 7, 2025, when Turkish authorities issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and 36 other senior Israeli officials related to alleged offenses connected to operations in Gaza and the flotilla takeover. Additionally, on July 14, a Turkish court had already requested Interpol to publish a red notice against Netanyahu. The case highlights ongoing tensions between Turkey and Israel, with the legal proceedings continuing without the defendants' presence.