Türkiye has taken a new step in its legal proceedings against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, formally seeking an Interpol Red Notice in connection with the case involving the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said proceedings are continuing before Istanbul’s 11th High Criminal Court against 35 defendants, including Netanyahu and Afek Moskovitch.
According to Gürlek, arrest warrants were issued for Netanyahu and Moskovitch on July 14, 2026, on charges of genocide.
Türkiye Begins Red Notice Process
Following the arrest warrants, Türkiye’s Justice Ministry requested that the Interior Ministry take the necessary steps to seek Interpol Red Notices for Netanyahu and Moskovitch so they can be internationally wanted.
Gürlek also said the relevant documents had been forwarded to Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry.
The move represents a further step in Türkiye’s legal proceedings against Netanyahu and other Israeli officials over the Global Sumud Flotilla case.
Case Centers on Global Sumud Flotilla
The case concerns the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was attempting to deliver humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip.
Turkish authorities say civilians aboard the flotilla were subjected to an armed intervention in international waters and subsequently detained.
Netanyahu and other defendants face allegations including crimes against humanity, genocide, aggravated deprivation of liberty, intentional injury, torture, damage to property, aggravated robbery and hijacking of means of transportation.
Netanyahu Previously Faced Arrest Warrants in Türkiye
Türkiye’s legal action against Netanyahu had already intensified in 2025, when Turkish judicial authorities issued arrest warrants for dozens of Israeli officials in connection with allegations involving Gaza.
The latest development takes the process a step further by seeking international measures through Interpol channels.
Justice Minister Gürlek said Türkiye would continue using both domestic and international legal mechanisms to pursue those it holds responsible for alleged crimes committed in Gaza.
Interpol Has Not Yet Issued the Red Notice
The Turkish request does not mean that Interpol has already issued a Red Notice for Netanyahu.
A Red Notice request must be assessed under Interpol’s own rules and procedures before it can be published.
A Red Notice is also not, by itself, an international arrest warrant. It is a request to law enforcement authorities worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition, surrender or similar legal proceedings, with individual countries determining its legal effect under their own laws.
Therefore, at this stage, the most accurate description is that Türkiye has formally initiated the process of seeking an Interpol Red Notice for Netanyahu, while proceedings before Istanbul’s 11th High Criminal Court continue.
