Thursday Istanbul Prosecutor General’s Office issued arrest warrants for 37 Israeli citizensincluding the Prime Minister Benjamin NetanyahuMinister of Defense Yoav KatzMinister of Homeland Security Itamara Ben-Gvira and Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi.
The document states that Israeli officials are accused of committing genocide and other serious crimes against the civilian population of Gaza. The investigation claims that Israel from October 2023 “systematically attacks civilians, hospitals and infrastructure”, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people, including women and children.
Legal basis and details of the case
— İstanbul Cumhuriyet Başsavcılığı (@istanbulCBS) November 7, 2025
The text of the resolution of the prosecutor’s office notes that the investigation is being carried out in accordance with international standards, including the provisions UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and articles 13 and 15 Turkish Penal Code (No. 5237 and No. 5271), which give Turkish courts the right to try crimes committed outside the country if they affect its citizens or international obligations.
Particular attention is paid to events related to the attack on ships from the so-called “Global Fleet Sumud”heading to Gaza with humanitarian aid. The Turkish side claims that members of the fleet and activists on board were attacked and illegally detained.
Political consequences
Warrants issued by Turkish authorities create further tension between Ankara and Tel Aviv. Although diplomatic relations were partially restored in 2022, the prosecutor’s statement effectively equates the Israeli leadership with war criminals. Türkiye appeals to the norms of international humanitarian law and states that it is acting “in defense of the civilian victims of Gaza.”
Reaction and international context
Official Jerusalem has not yet commented on the warrants. At the same time, Turkish media emphasize that the matter is “symbolic but legally significant”since it may become a precedent for international proceedings in the courts of other countries. Experts note that Ankara’s move will strengthen its role in the Islamic world as a defender of Palestinian interests, but will further complicate relations with the West.
New phase of confrontation
The initiative of the Turkish prosecutor’s office demonstrates Ankara’s political will to participate in the formation of a new architecture international responsibility for Israel’s actions. This could be part of a broader strategy Erdoganaimed at strengthening Turkey’s role in the region as an alternative center of Islamic diplomacy.
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