Turkey Systematically Targets IDF Soldiers with Dual Citizenship

A new report from Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism reveals a systematic mechanism in Turkey to identify and target Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers who also hold Turkish citizenship. The operation involves scanning social media, mapping family connections, identifying military units, and then transferring this information to lawyers for the purpose of filing criminal complaints. This effort is reportedly linked to a network that includes designated terrorist organizations.

The report details how organizations like Freedom Watch Platform and the Worldwide Lawyers Association (WOLAS) gather open-source intelligence on Israelis, particularly those who served in the IDF and possess Turkish citizenship. Their methods include monitoring social media, especially pages associated with the Turkish Jewish community, and analyzing photos and posts to identify military affiliations. This information is then publicized and handed over to authorities in Ankara.

One case study from February 2026 describes how former female soldier with dual Israeli-Turkish citizenship was targeted after her mother posted about her IDF enlistment. Her photos were analyzed to determine her military unit, and other family members serving in the IDF were mapped before a complaint was filed.

Freedom Watch Platform reportedly evolved from a protest at Istanbul's port in 2024 concerning a Gaza aid ship. Its activities have expanded from de-legitimizing Israel and targeting Israeli companies to specifically pursuing individuals. The report also notes cooperation with the HÜDA PAR party and the filing of lawsuits against dual citizens who served in the IDF.

According to the ministry, this campaign is part of a broader, state-sanctioned hostility towards Israel and Jews in Turkey, extending from the education system to international organizations. WOLAS, a group of lawyers and academics, attempts to convert publicly available information into grounds for criminal proceedings against individuals with ties to Israel, aiming to create official records for law enforcement. The network includes organizations such as Al-Haq, IHH, Al-Mezan, and the Freedom Flotilla, with documented instances of activists expressing solidarity with Hamas.

Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli stated that Turkey under President Erdoğan is using all available tools to harm Israel and urged Israel to sever ties with the current regime, anticipating escalating antisemitic incitement and potential violence originating from Turkey, which he described as a new stronghold for Hamas commanders.