Turkey and Israel have exchanged sharp accusations after Ankara sought an international arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
Turkey’s Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said authorities had asked the interior ministry to seek an Interpol red notice for Netanyahu and Israeli national Afek Moskovitch. The request relates to an investigation into the interception of activists aboard the flotilla in international waters.
Turkish authorities accuse the two men of serious crimes, including alleged crimes against humanity and genocide. Israeli officials have rejected the allegations.
Erdogan and Netanyahu Clash
Turkey has emerged as one of Israel’s strongest critics over the Gaza war. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly accused Netanyahu of genocide and called for greater international accountability.
The dispute intensified after Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla carrying hundreds of activists toward Gaza in May. The incident sparked international criticism, while several countries also began legal proceedings connected to the case.
Netanyahu’s office dismissed Turkey’s move and accused Erdogan of hypocrisy. It also described the Turkish president as an authoritarian leader and accused his government of supporting Hamas.
Israel said it would continue opposing what it described as Turkish efforts to destabilize the region.
Turkey Fires Back
Erdogan’s office quickly responded, calling the Israeli statement “outrageous ravings.”
Turkish officials accused Netanyahu’s government of trying to avoid accountability and suggested that the Israeli prime minister could be using the dispute for political advantage ahead of elections.
The exchange adds another layer to already strained Erdogan Netanyahu tensions, which have deepened throughout the Gaza conflict.
Gaza Flotilla Investigation
According to Turkish media reports, Moskovitch is an Israeli soldier who also faces allegations related to actions in Gaza. The reports cite an indictment that includes accusations involving the destruction of buildings and other sites in the Palestinian territory.
The Global Sumud Flotilla included around 50 vessels when it departed Turkey in May. Israeli forces intercepted the activists in the Mediterranean and detained them before their eventual expulsion from Israel.
The incident has become another flashpoint between Ankara and Jerusalem as Turkey continues to demand international action over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The latest legal move and the public exchange between Erdogan and Netanyahu are likely to further strain relations between the two countries.
