Turkey issues arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 37 officials of his government
The Istanbul Prosecutor's Office issued arrest warrants for the Israeli Prime Minister and 37 other high-ranking officials on suspicion of committing genocide and crimes against humanity during Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip.
Main theses:
Turkey has accused Netanyahu and other officials of systematically carried out military actions against the civilian population in Gaza, in violation of international humanitarian law. The orders concern, in particular, Israel Katz (Israeli Minister of Defence), Itamar Ben-Gvir (Minister of National Security) and Eyal Zamir (Chief of the Israeli General Staff).
Israel rejected the decision, calling it a «PR stunt by a tyrant», referring to Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The orders coincide with growing international pressure on Israel to take responsibility for its military actions in Gaza.
Turkey is one of the countries that advocates for holding Israel accountable in international institutions, in particular by joining the International Criminal Court case against Israel.
Why it matters:
This decision by Turkey could have a significant impact on diplomatic relations between Ankara and Tel Aviv, and increases the risks for Israeli officials travelling on international routes. It also demonstrates a change in the approach to accountability for actions in conflict, with national prosecutors taking the lead in war crimes.
Ukrainian
English