Overview
- The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced the warrants Friday after a Gaza-focused investigation conducted under the Istanbul Court of Justice with coordination from Türkiye’s justice and foreign ministries.
- The order calls for Benjamin Netanyahu’s detention wherever he is found and says he should be treated as a war criminal on allegations of crimes against humanity.
- Prosecutors cited the October 17, 2023 Al‑Ahli Baptist Hospital blast and the April 1, 2024 killing of World Central Kitchen aid workers as supporting incidents.
- Those named include Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and Naval Forces Commander David Saar Salama.
- The step deepens Turkey–Israel tensions and raises open questions about jurisdiction, diplomatic immunity, extradition, and real-world enforceability.