Turkey Seeks Interpol Red Notice for Netanyahu

Turkey has formally requested Interpol to issue a Red Notice for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and another Israeli citizen, Afek Moskovitch. The request followed domestic arrest warrants issued by the Istanbul 11th High Criminal Court on 14 July 2026 in a case linked to allegations of genocide and other offences.

Interpol Red Notice

A Red Notice is an international request to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. Interpol does not issue arrest warrants, and each member country applies its own legal procedures before acting on a Red Notice.

Domestic Proceedings in Turkey

The Turkish Ministry of Justice asked the Ministry of the Interior to coordinate with Interpol, and legal documents were also forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Turkish officials stated that the case forms part of an ongoing domestic prosecution against 35 defendants connected to the armed interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters in May 2026.

Charges Mentioned in the Case

The legal documents list charges of genocide, crimes against humanity, torture, aggravated deprivation of liberty, intentional injury, property damage, aggravated robbery, and hijacking. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office had earlier issued separate domestic arrest warrants on 8 November 2025 for Netanyahu and 36 other Israeli officials over genocide claims linked to the Gaza conflict.

Important Facts for Exams

• Interpol is an international police organisation with 196 member countries.
• A Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant under Interpol rules.
• The Istanbul 11th High Criminal Court is a domestic court in Turkey.
• Genocide and crimes against humanity are categories used in international criminal law.

Official Response

The office of Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the action and referred to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in its statement. The case involves legal steps taken by Turkish authorities in 2025 and 2026 against Israeli officials in connection with the Gaza conflict and the Global Sumud Flotilla incident.