Turkish court issues arrest warrant for Israeli PM Netanyahu, 37 others on genocide charges
ISTANBUL – In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 37 other individuals on charges of genocide. The charges are linked to the ongoing war in Gaza, which Israel launched following Hamas attacks in October 2023.
Who Are the Targets of the Warrants?
According to a statement from the Istanbul prosecutor’s office, the list of individuals subject to arrest warrants includes:
- Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel
- Yoav Gallant, Defense Minister of Israel
- Herzi Halevi, Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)
- Itamar Ben-Gvir, National Security Minister
What Are Turkey’s Accusations?
Turkish prosecutors have alleged that Israel is “deliberately and willingly” targeting civilians in Gaza, asserting that these actions fall under the category of genocide. They have included the October 17, 2023, al-Ahli Baptist Hospital explosion as part of their accusations.
This claim stands in contrast to the findings of Israeli and U.S. intelligence agencies, which later concluded that the blast was caused by a failed rocket launch by the Palestinian terrorist group ‘Islamic Jihad,’ not an Israeli strike.
A History of Controversial Warrants and Stances
The warrants have drawn attention to Turkey’s judicial system and its foreign policy stance. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has long been seen as a supporter of Hamas.
Furthermore, questions have been raised about the impartiality of Turkey’s judiciary, which has in the past issued arrest warrants against numerous journalists and opposition leaders, such as Ekrem İmamoğlu, the Mayor of Istanbul and a political rival of Erdoğan.
The Shadow of the Armenian Genocide
The accusations of genocide from Turkey are particularly sensitive given the nation’s own history. Turkey faces longstanding allegations of committing genocide against 1.5 million Armenians within its own borders between 1915 and 1923.
Most nations, including the United States, Canada, Russia, and a majority of the European Union, officially recognize the Armenian Genocide. However, countries like the UK, Australia, and Israel have historically avoided formal recognition to protect diplomatic relations with Turkey.
In a notable move, Prime Minister Netanyahu personally acknowledged the Armenian Genocide in August 2025, though it was not considered an official state recognition by Israel.
