Turkey has taken a new step in the legal proceedings against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by initiating a procedure to request an Interpol red notice in connection with a case involving an attack on activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said proceedings were continuing at Istanbul’s 11th High Criminal Court against 35 defendants, including Netanyahu and Afek Moskovich.
Turkey begins procedure to request a red notice
Gürlek said arrest warrants were issued for Netanyahu and Moskovich on July 14, 2026, on charges of “genocide.”
Following this, the Turkish Justice Ministry asked the Interior Ministry to take the necessary steps to request Interpol red notices for the two defendants.
The relevant documents were also sent to the Turkish Foreign Ministry.
Case concerns the Global Sumud Flotilla
The proceedings concern armed intervention against participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was heading to the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid.
The Turkish side maintains that civilians aboard the vessels in international waters were subjected to armed intervention and detained.
Netanyahu and the other defendants face serious charges, including crimes against humanity, genocide, aggravated unlawful deprivation of liberty, intentional infliction of bodily harm, torture, property damage, aggravated robbery and seizure of vehicles.
Ankara pledges to use international legal mechanisms
Gürlek said Turkey intended to use the mechanisms provided for under national and international law to hold accountable those whom Ankara considers responsible for crimes in Gaza.
He said Turkey would not allow the alleged crimes to be concealed or those responsible to evade justice.
Interpol has not yet issued a red notice
However, Turkey’s request does not mean that Interpol has already issued a red notice for Netanyahu.
The request must undergo Interpol’s established review procedure. At this stage, the most accurate description is that Turkey has officially initiated the procedure to request an Interpol red notice for Benjamin Netanyahu.
The trial of the 35 defendants at Istanbul’s 11th High Criminal Court is continuing.
