Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issues arrest warrants for 37 Israeli officials
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced that arrest warrants have been issued for 37 senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi, and several other high-ranking commanders. These warrants were issued on charges of war crimes in Gaza and the attack on the global “Somud” flotilla.
According to the official report, since October 7, 2023, the Israeli army has systematically attacked civilians, hospitals, and vital infrastructure, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people, including women and children. The file also refers to incidents such as the killing of six-year-old Hind Rajab, who was shot with 335 bullets by Israeli soldiers; the massacre of 500 people at the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital; the bombing of the Turkey-Palestine Friendship Hospital; and the obstruction of humanitarian aid deliveries.
The Prosecutor’s statement emphasized that Netanyahu and other Israeli officials will be immediately arrested upon entering Turkish territory. The statement, citing details of the attacks, destruction of medical equipment, the siege of Gaza, and prevention of international aid, described Israel’s actions as clear evidence of genocide and crimes against humanity.
Another part of the investigation highlighted the Israeli navy’s attack on the Somud global flotilla in international waters. Activists aboard the flotilla, who were attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, were detained and later transferred to Turkey. Upon their return, forensic and psychological examinations were conducted, and reports were submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office. Additionally, the Istanbul Bar Association filed an official criminal complaint against Israeli officials on November 7, 2025.
Finally, considering the available evidence and the absence of suspects in Turkey, the Istanbul Peace Criminal Court issued arrest warrants on the same date for 37 individuals, including Netanyahu, Katz, Ben-Gvir, Eyal Zamir, and David Sar Salameh, on charges of crimes against humanity (Article 77 of the Turkish Penal Code) and genocide (Article 76 of the Turkish Penal Code).
