Türkiye issues arrest warrant for Netanyahu over Gaza flotilla interception:Israeli PM office calls Erdogan ‘antisemitic dictator’

Türkiye has issued an international arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s interception of an activist flotilla heading to Gaza, Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced on Friday. The warrant is part of an investigation into the interception of the Gaza-bound flotilla. Türkiye had earlier issued warrants against Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials over alleged genocide in Gaza, accusations Israel has firmly denied. Israel-Türkiye ties hit new low The latest move further deepens the diplomatic rift between Türkiye and Israel that has widened since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack and the subsequent war in Gaza. Türkiye has hosted Hamas leaders, while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly criticised Israel and expressed support for Hamas. Ankara has also halted trade with Israel and suspended direct flights between the two countries. Flotilla dispute dates back to 2010 The two countries had previously clashed over a pro-Palestinian flotilla heading to Gaza in 2010. Ten Turkish activists were killed in a confrontation with Israeli naval commandos who intercepted the vessel. Netanyahu office calls Erdogan ‘antisemitic dictator’ Netanyahu’s office hit back at Türkiye’s latest move, calling President Recep Tayyip Erdogan an “antisemitic dictator”. “Erdogan is an antisemitic dictator who massacred Kurds, supports the massacre of the Hamas terrorist organisation, and oppresses his own people,” Netanyahu’s office said. It added that Israel would “continue to act forcefully” against Türkiye’s attempts to destabilise the region and any threat to Israel’s security. ​