Turkey has formally requested that Interpol issue Red Notices for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and another individual, Afek Moskovitch, in connection with a criminal case involving the interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced on Friday that the request follows arrest warrants issued by an Istanbul court on July 14, 2026. The case, which involves 35 defendants, accuses the officials of genocide and other crimes committed in international waters.
An Interpol Red Notice is a request for law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a subject, but it does not constitute an international arrest warrant. Interpol must first review the application to ensure it complies with its rules, which prohibit interventions of a political, military, religious, or racial nature. Member countries retain the authority to decide whether to act on such notices under their own national laws.
Minister Gürlek stated that the proceedings are part of Turkey's effort to hold Israeli leadership accountable for actions in Gaza. While the Turkish indictment includes various charges such as crimes against humanity and torture, the defendants have not been convicted. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu continues to conduct security assessments regarding regional developments and rising tensions with Turkey.
