Turkey Issues Arrest Warrants for Israeli Leaders over Alleged War Crimes in Gaza

On November 7, 2025, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office issued arrest warrants for 37 Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The officials are accused of committing genocide and crimes against humanity during Israel's military operations in Gaza.

The prosecutor's office stated that Israel's actions since October 2023 have involved systematic attacks on civilians, hospitals, and vital infrastructure in Gaza. Specific incidents cited include the October 17, 2023, attack on the Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital, which reportedly resulted in approximately 500 deaths, and the March 21, 2025, bombing of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital. Additionally, the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission to Gaza, by Israeli forces in October 2025 was referenced.

Israel has dismissed the warrants as a "PR stunt." Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated, "Israel firmly rejects, with contempt, the latest PR stunt by the tyrant [President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan."

The Palestinian Authority welcomed Turkey's actions, describing the arrest warrants as a "victory for justice" and urging other countries to follow Turkey's example. Hamas also praised the move, calling it a "commendable measure [confirming] the sincere positions of the Turkish people and their leaders."

Turkey's legal actions are based on Articles 76 and 77 of the Turkish Penal Code, which address genocide and crimes against humanity. The country asserts jurisdiction over these crimes under the principle of universal jurisdiction, allowing it to prosecute individuals regardless of where the alleged offenses occurred.

This development is part of a broader international legal context. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict. Israel has contested the ICC's jurisdiction and sought to have the warrants withdrawn. In July 2025, ICC judges rejected Israel's request to withdraw the arrest warrants, maintaining that the jurisdictional challenge is still under review and the warrants will remain active pending a specific ruling.

The United States has expressed strong opposition to the ICC's actions against Israeli officials. In January 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to sanction the ICC in response to its proceedings against Israel. In February 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the ICC, following its issuance of an arrest warrant against Netanyahu.

Historically, this is not the first instance of Turkey taking legal action against Israeli officials. Following the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, where Israeli commandos raided a ship in international waters, resulting in the deaths of 10 people, Turkish authorities issued indictments in absentia for four former Israeli commanders. In 2016, Israel and Turkey reached a normalization deal, leading to the dismissal of the case.

The issuance of these arrest warrants marks a significant escalation in tensions between Turkey and Israel, with potential implications for international relations and ongoing conflicts in the region. It underscores the use of legal mechanisms as tools in geopolitical disputes and highlights the complexities of international law in addressing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

As the situation develops, the international community will be closely monitoring the responses from both nations and the broader implications for regional stability and diplomatic relations.