Turkey Issues Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu, Israeli Officials on Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity Charges

An Istanbul court has issued arrest warrants for 37 Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The warrants, announced on Friday, November 7, 2025, are based on charges of committing crimes against humanity and genocide in Gaza, according to Anadolu Agency.

indianexpress.com reported, The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office stated that these charges stem from systematic military assaults targeting civilians and infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. This development marks a significant escalation in Turkey's legal and diplomatic efforts against Israel, as reported by The Indian Express.

Among the specific incidents cited by the prosecutor's office are the bombing of the al-Ehli Baptist Hospital, the destruction of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, and the killing of six-year-old Hind Rajab. Additionally, the investigation covers Israel's interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, Middle East Eye reported.

aa.com.tr noted, Turkey has maintained a strong stance against Israel's actions in Gaza, consistently condemning the military campaign since October 2023. This move follows Ankara's earlier support for South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as noted by The Times of Israel.

In response, Israel has strongly rejected the warrants, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar calling them a "PR stunt by the tyrant Erdoğan." Saar stated that Israel firmly rejects the charges with contempt, according to The Guardian.

middleeasteye.net reported, The Istanbul prosecutor's office confirmed that while the suspects are not present in Turkey, international arrest warrants have been issued. This legal action represents one of the most sweeping by a national court against Israeli leaders concerning the Gaza conflict, Middle East Eye highlighted.

The warrants target senior political and military figures, including Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Naval Forces Commander David Saar Salama, among others. The Jerusalem Post reported that the charges allege systematic targeting of civilians and infrastructure, blocking humanitarian aid, and preventing access to medical assistance.

• indianexpress.com noted, Escalating Tensions and Background Context: The issuance of these arrest warrants further exacerbates already strained relations between Turkey and Israel, which have deteriorated significantly since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. Turkey has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel's military operations, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan frequently condemning the actions as "amounting to genocide," as noted by Wikipedia.

• Key Officials and Allegations: The warrants name 37 Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office accuses these high-ranking individuals of "genocide and crimes against humanity perpetrated systematically" in Gaza, AFP reported via The Indian Express.

• aa.com.tr reported, Specific Incidents Driving the Charges: The legal action is predicated on several grave incidents, including the bombing of the al-Ehli Baptist Hospital and the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital. The prosecutor's statement also referenced the killing of six-year-old Hind Rajab and the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, according to Middle East Eye.

• Legal Basis and Universal Jurisdiction: The warrants are issued under universal jurisdiction laws, which allow national courts to prosecute individuals for certain international crimes, regardless of where the crimes were committed or the nationality of the perpetrator or victim. Sarah Leah Whitson, Executive Director of DAWN, stated that "Turkey's arrest warrants against Israeli officials demonstrate what all countries with universal jurisdiction can and should do immediately."

• middleeasteye.net noted, International Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout: Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed the warrants as a "PR stunt" by President Erdoğan, emphasizing Israel's strong rejection of the charges, The Times of Israel reported. Conversely, the Palestinian group Hamas welcomed Turkey's decision, calling it a "commendable measure" that confirms the sincere positions of the Turkish people and their leaders, according to Anadolu Agency.

• Turkey's Broader Legal Strategy: This move aligns with Turkey's broader strategy to hold Israel accountable on the international stage. Last year, Turkey formally submitted a request to join South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a significant development in international legal efforts, as reported by Al Jazeera.

• indianexpress.com reported, Potential Future Developments and Enforcement Challenges: While the warrants have been issued, their enforcement remains a significant challenge, as the accused officials are not in Turkey. The next step could involve submitting these warrants to Interpol, though Interpol typically does not act on politically motivated requests. The Times of Israel noted that this situation could complicate Turkey's desire to participate in any post-war Gaza stabilization force.

• Impact on Regional Dynamics and Humanitarian Concerns: The warrants underscore the deep divisions in the international community regarding the Gaza conflict and highlight Turkey's assertive role in advocating for Palestinian rights. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office emphasized that Israel's actions have resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries, rendering residential areas uninhabitable, as stated by Anadolu Agency.