Turkish Court Issues Interpol Red Notice for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu

On 15 July 2026 the 11th High Criminal Court in Istanbul issued an international arrest warrant – a red notice through Interpol – for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The court’s decision stems from a public lawsuit concerning Israel’s seizure of the humanitarian Sumud flotilla, which attempted to deliver aid to Gaza in October 2025. Turkish prosecutors had previously sought Netanyahu’s arrest in November 2025 on accusations of genocide in Gaza. The new warrant lists charges that include crimes against humanity, genocide, intentional injury, torture, property damage, hijacking of transport vessels and unlawful deprivation of liberty, and calls for life imprisonment. The court argues it has jurisdiction under international maritime law and frames the case as a response to alleged war crimes linked to the blockade of Gaza. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly condemned Netanyahu and pledged support for Palestinians, while the legal move marks a significant escalation in Turkey‑Israel tensions.