The Turkish government has officially moved to secure an international arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing allegations of "genocide" connected to the military’s interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. Justice Minister Akin Gürlek confirmed on social media that his ministry has petitioned the interior ministry to initiate Interpol red notices for both Netanyahu and an individual named Afek Moskovitch. These legal actions stem from the May maritime incident, during which Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud flotilla, detained roughly 430 activists in international waters, and subsequently held them in custody before expulsion.

Beyond the specific allegations of genocide, the prosecution is pursuing a laundry list of serious charges, including crimes against humanity, torture, the destruction of property, and the hijacking of transport vehicles. This move highlights the deepening diplomatic rift between Ankara and Tel Aviv, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to maintain a highly critical stance toward Israel’s ongoing military operations. The tension was further exacerbated by viral footage released by Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, which showed him taunting detained activists, an act that drew significant condemnation and fueled the growing push for international judicial intervention.