TL;DR: Turkey’s Istanbul court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 36 officials, accusing them of genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel rejected the move as a political stunt, while Hamas praised it.
What Happened
- On November 7, 2025, Turkey’s Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued arrest warrants for 37 Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- The Istanbul Criminal Court approved the warrants, citing charges of genocide and crimes against humanity under Articles 76 and 77 of the Turkish Penal Code.
- The investigation covers Israel’s military operations in Gaza since October 7, 2023, which Turkey said caused mass civilian deaths, hospital bombings, and humanitarian blockades.
- Incidents cited include the October 17, 2023, Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital airstrike and the March 21, 2025, bombing of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital.
Legal and Political Context
- The warrants also mention the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian convoy intercepted by Israeli naval forces; Turkey alleges illegal detention of activists.
- Those named include Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and Navy Commander David Saar Salama.
- The National Intelligence Organisation (MİT) and Istanbul Police were tasked to locate the suspects, though extradition is unlikely since they are outside Turkish jurisdiction.
Reactions
- Israel condemned the move, calling it a “PR stunt” by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
- Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar wrote: “In Erdoğan’s Turkey, the judiciary has long been a tool for silencing political rivals and arresting journalists, judges and mayors.”
- Hamas welcomed the decision, saying it “confirms the noble positions of the Turkish people and their leadership.”
- No official response yet from the U.S. or European Union, though observers note it could affect Turkey’s potential role in a multinational Gaza security force under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire.
Background
- The move follows the International Criminal Court’s 2024 warrant against Netanyahu for war crimes in Gaza.
- Turkey has previously joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
- The development comes amid a ceasefire in Gaza, with Turkey seeking a role in post-war stabilization efforts, a plan Israel opposes.
Implications
- The warrants are symbolic but may worsen Turkey-Israel relations and elevate Ankara’s image in the Muslim world.
- No arrests or diplomatic fallout have occurred as of November 8, 2025, but the case continues to draw global attention.
known issuers of arrest warrants for Israeli P.M Benjamin Netanyahu:
Issuer/Country | Details | Date of Issuance |
Turkey | Issued arrest warrant for Netanyahu and 36 Israeli officials on genocide and war crimes in Gaza. | November 7, 2025 |
International Criminal Court (ICC) | Issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Gaza. | November 20, 2024 |
Member States of the Rome Statute (124 countries) | Obliged to enforce ICC arrest warrants as they are signatories to the Rome Statute treaty. Includes EU countries and others globally. | Ongoing since ICC issuance |
Most countries individually do not issue warrants but are obliged as ICC member states to enforce the ICC warrant. Turkey is notable for issuing its own national warrant.