Netanyahu, 34 other ‘Israelis’ face trial in Turkey over Gaza flotilla

• The court upheld arrest warrants and ordered authorities to investigate whether the defendants own property or other assets in Turkey.
• The indictment includes charges of torture, unlawful detention, causing injury and aggravated robbery.

A Turkish court has launched proceedings against ‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 34 other ‘Israelis’ over the interception of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, maintaining arrest warrants for all defendants and directing authorities to investigate whether they hold assets in Turkey.

The proceedings opened Friday at Istanbul’s 11th Criminal Court, with none of the defendants present. Those named in the case include Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and military chief Eyal Zamir.

The indictment accuses the defendants of torture, unlawful deprivation of liberty, causing injury and aggravated robbery. 

The court also asked prosecutors to consider separate proceedings concerning alleged ‘Israeli’ actions against Gaza’s civilian population and requested information from the International Criminal Court through Turkey’s Justice Ministry.

The case stems from complaints by Turkish flotilla participants who said they were subjected to violence, deprived of their belongings and held in degrading conditions after ‘Israeli’ forces intercepted the vessels.

The court upheld decisions concerning requests for Interpol Red Notices, although no notices against the defendants have been confirmed. Such notices are international requests to locate individuals, not arrest warrants.

The trial is proceeding in absentia, with the next hearing scheduled for March 30, 2027.

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