Türkiye has moved to seek an INTERPOL Red Notice for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The action relates to allegations surrounding Israel’s interception of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla.
According to the provided reports, Istanbul’s 11th High Criminal Court issued an order on July 14, 2026. The court directed authorities to pursue an INTERPOL Red Notice for Netanyahu and Israeli official Afik Moskowitz.
Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said the Justice Ministry had contacted the Interior Ministry regarding the process. Relevant documents were also forwarded to the Foreign Ministry, according to the reports.
Türkiye Pursues Legal Action Over Gaza Flotilla
The legal proceedings involve 35 defendants, including Netanyahu.
The case concerns the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla. The civilian initiative was carrying humanitarian assistance toward Gaza.
Turkish prosecutors allege that Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters. They also allege that activists faced armed intervention, detention, and other abuses during the incident.
The case includes allegations of crimes against humanity and genocide. Other allegations include torture, intentional injury, property damage, and aggravated looting.
Prosecutors have also alleged unlawful deprivation of liberty and interference with transportation. These remain allegations being pursued through the Turkish legal process.
Prosecutors Seek Heavy Sentences
The latest development follows an indictment filed by Istanbul prosecutors in April 2026.
Prosecutors sought aggravated life imprisonment and lengthy prison terms for the 35 defendants. They argued that Turkish courts have jurisdiction over the alleged conduct.
Their argument relies on provisions of Turkish law and international maritime law. Türkiye has also condemned actions against the flotilla alongside several other countries, including Pakistan.
Turkish authorities said Turkish nationals were among those detained after vessels carrying humanitarian assistance were intercepted. Gürlek has said Türkiye will continue using domestic and international legal mechanisms in such cases.
INTERPOL Red Notice Is Not an Arrest Warrant
The latest development does not mean INTERPOL has already issued a Red Notice against Netanyahu. A Red Notice is a request to locate and provisionally arrest a wanted person pending further legal proceedings.
It is not itself an international arrest warrant. Individual countries determine how they respond to a Red Notice under their own laws.
Netanyahu separately faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued in November 2024. That warrant concerns allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict.
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The Turkish proceedings represent a separate legal action focused on allegations surrounding the Global Sumud Flotilla.
