Turkey Seeks International Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu Amid Rising Tensions

Following an Israeli military operation in Syria, tensions between Israel and Turkey have escalated further. The Turkish government requested Interpol to issue international arrest warrants against dozens of Israelis, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ankara's demand is linked to Israel's takeover of the 'Freedom Flotilla' headed to the Gaza Strip about three months ago.

In response, Netanyahu condemned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, calling him an "anti-Semitic dictator who supports Hamas," and vowed that Israel would continue to act forcefully against attempts to destabilize the region. In May, the Israel Defense Forces intercepted the 'Freedom Flotilla,' which consisted of nearly 60 Turkish ships carrying activists from the IHH organization, known for its involvement in the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident. The flotilla was en route to Gaza, approximately 400 kilometers from Israeli shores.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry criticized the pro-Palestinian activists, labeling the flotilla a provocation without humanitarian aid. It highlighted that two Turkish groups, Mavi Marmara and IHH (designated as a terrorist organization), were part of this provocation aimed at supporting Hamas and distracting from Hamas's refusal to disarm and obstructing the peace plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The ministry also cited the UN Security Council Resolution 2803, emphasizing that Gaza is already flooded with humanitarian aid, with over 1.58 million tons of aid and thousands of tons of medical supplies entering since October 2025. Israel reaffirmed it would not allow any breach of the legal naval blockade on Gaza and called on all participants in the flotilla to immediately cease their actions and turn back.