Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Turkey Seeks Interpol Red Notice for Netanyahu Over Gaza Flotilla
Turkey is trying to have international arrest alerts issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Afek Moskovitch.
Turkey says they were involved in serious crimes connected to stopping a boat group traveling to Gaza.
The group was called the Global Sumud Flotilla and included about 50 boats and 430 activists.
Israeli forces stopped the boats in the Mediterranean and detained the people aboard.
Turkey says the alleged crimes include genocide, torture and crimes against humanity.
Israel denies the genocide accusation and says Turkey is acting hypocritically.
Netanyahu’s office also criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The two countries argued separately about alleged Turkish military plans in Syria.
A video released by Israeli minister Itamar Ben Gvir showing detained activists caused additional controversy.
Turkey requested an Interpol red notice and international arrest alerts for Benjamin Netanyahu and Afek Moskovitch.
Turkish authorities accuse the two of genocide, crimes against humanity, torture, assault and other offenses.
The Global Sumud Flotilla left Turkey in May with about 50 vessels and 430 activists bound for Gaza.
Israeli forces intercepted the activists in the Mediterranean, detained them and later expelled them.
Israel rejected Turkey’s allegations as the countries also exchanged accusations over Syria and political motives.
- Who
- Turkey’s Justice Minister Akin Gurlek, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli national Afek Moskovitch, Israeli forces and Global Sumud Flotilla activists.
- What
- Turkey sought international arrest alerts and an Interpol red notice for Netanyahu and Moskovitch over the interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla.
- When
- The request was announced on Friday; Turkey said arrest warrants were issued on July 14, 2026, after the flotilla incident in May.
- Where
- The alleged incident occurred in international waters in the Mediterranean; a related dispute concerns Syria’s Abu al-Duhar air base.
- Why
- Turkey says the flotilla interception involved genocide and other serious offenses, while Israel rejects the allegations.
Turkey’s allegations
Israel’s response
Flotilla interception
Turkey’s allegations
Turkey says the interception of activists in international waters involved genocide and other serious crimes, and is pursuing international arrest alerts.
Israel’s response
Israel rejects the genocide accusation and says Turkey’s legal and political campaign will not intimidate Israeli leaders or soldiers.
Political motivations
Turkey’s allegations
Turkey’s government accused Netanyahu’s administration of evading accountability and said its criticism of Turkey was intended to provide Netanyahu with an electoral advantage.
Israel’s response
Netanyahu’s office accused Erdogan of hypocrisy, antisemitism, supporting Hamas and oppressing opponents in Turkey.
Turkish activity in Syria
Turkey’s allegations
Turkey denied having military forces at Abu al-Duhar air base and said it would continue supporting Syria’s infrastructure and military capabilities.
Israel’s response
Israel alleged that Turkey was preparing to deploy troops to the base and warned that Erdogan was leading Turkey into dangerous actions in Syria.
- Requested action
- Turkey’s Justice Ministry asked the Interior Ministry to seek international arrest alerts and an Interpol red notice.
- Named defendants
- Benjamin Netanyahu and Afek Moskovitch.
- Alleged offenses
- Genocide, crimes against humanity, aggravated deprivation of liberty, intentional assault and battery, torture, property destruction, aggravated looting and hijacking of transport vehicles.
- Flotilla scale
- The Global Sumud Flotilla included about 50 vessels and approximately 430 activists.
- Israeli actions
- Israeli forces intercepted and detained the activists in the Mediterranean, took them to an Israeli prison and later expelled them.
- Other legal proceedings
- France, Italy and Australia were also reported to have launched judicial proceedings after the interception.
- Syria dispute
- Israel alleged Turkish troops were preparing to deploy at Abu al-Duhar air base, while Turkey denied having a military presence there.
Sources
"Dictator", "Genocide": Israel, Turkey At Loggerheads Over Syria Attack
Turkey issues 'genocide' warrant for Israeli PM Netanyahu over Gaza flotilla
Turkey Issues Arrest Warrant For Netanyahu, Seeks Interpol Red Notice - Here's Why
Turkey Seeks Interpol Red Notice For Netanyahu Over Gaza Flotilla, Israeli PM Calls Erdogan 'Antisemitic Dictator'
