'Israel' condemns Turkish arrest warrants against officials; Hamas welcomes decision
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'Israel' sharply condemned the Turkish court’s decision to issue arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 36 other officials over crimes in Gaza.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described the warrants as a “PR stunt” by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and directly attacked him, calling him a “tyrant.” Sa’ar stated on X (formerly Twitter) that Israel “strongly and contemptuously” rejects this measure.
The Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office - which, as recalled, recently orchestrated the arrest of the Mayor of Istanbul merely for daring to run against Erdoğan - has now issued “arrest warrants” for Israeli leaders and senior officials.
— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) November 7, 2025
In Erdoğan’s Turkey, the judiciary has long…
Avigdor Lieberman, head of the 'Israel' Beiteinu party, added: “The arrest warrants issued by Erdoğan demonstrate why Turkey should have no involvement, directly or indirectly, in Gaza.” Earlier this week, Netanyahu reiterated his refusal to allow any Turkish participation in the planned international force in Gaza, declaring, “There will be no Turkish forces in Gaza.”
Turkish Court Issues Arrest Warrants
On Friday, a Turkish court in Istanbul issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and 36 other 'Israeli' officials, accusing them of genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The warrants target key figures including former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Israel Katz, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office cited systematic atrocities in Gaza, where thousands have reportedly been killed, including women and children, and many more wounded. Residential areas have also been rendered uninhabitable. While the court did not release the full list of suspects, it emphasized that the warrants were issued “as a result of the genocide and crimes against humanity committed by the occupation in Gaza.”
Hamas Hails Turkish Court Action
Hamas praised the Turkish decision, calling it “an important step that confirms the principled stance of the Turkish people and leadership, committed to justice, humanity, and solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people.”
The movement urged all countries and judicial authorities worldwide to issue legal measures against 'Israeli' leaders and hold them accountable for crimes against humanity.
Symbolic Impact and International Context
Legal experts note the Turkish court’s action is largely symbolic, as Turkey cannot enforce the warrants unless the accused enter its territory. Nevertheless, it reinforces Ankara’s strong stance against 'Israel' under President Erdoğan.
The warrants follow the International Criminal Court’s November 2024 decision to issue similar warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant over war crimes in Gaza, including targeting civilians and employing starvation tactics.
International reactions remain divided: some European Union states have pledged to enforce ICC warrants, while 'Israel’s' allies, including the United States, Hungary, and Argentina, have condemned them.
South Africa is also pursuing a genocide case against 'Israel' at the International Court of Justice.
