On Friday, an Istanbul court formally opened the trial of 35 Israeli nationals, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, in connection with the Israeli Navy’s interception of the Gaza-bound Sumud flotilla.
Following the initial hearing, the court ordered Turkish authorities to investigate and determine whether the defendants own assets within the country, upheld the outstanding arrest warrants, and called for consideration of legal proceedings against additional Israeli nationals.
The proceedings took place at Istanbul’s 11th Criminal Court, according to Turkey’s state-run Anadolu news agency.
Flotilla participants who had filed complaints against Israel attended the hearing, alongside lawyers and representatives of various Turkish organizations. None of the Israeli defendants were present.
The court directed relevant authorities to verify whether any of the 35 defendants own real estate or other property in Turkey. As of the hearing, there were no reports that assets had been frozen or that property seizure orders had been issued.
Additionally, the court upheld decisions regarding requests for Interpol Red Notices. However, there remains no confirmation that Interpol itself has issued such notices against the defendants.
Court asks to file separate indictment for alleged Israeli actions against Gazan civilians
In a separate ruling, the court requested that the Istanbul prosecutor’s office consider filing a new, expanded indictment detailing alleged Israeli actions against Gaza’s civilian population beyond the flotilla interception itself. The judges noted that the current indictment focuses primarily on the flotilla incident and addresses broader allegations concerning events in Gaza only in general and indirect terms.
The court also ordered authorities to identify additional individuals mentioned in the complainants’ testimony and to consider bringing proceedings against them, including those accused of mistreating the flotilla participants while they were held in Israel. Furthermore, the court requested official information from the International Criminal Court in The Hague through Turkey’s Justice Ministry.
The case stems from complaints filed by Turkish citizens who participated in the flotilla and were detained after Israeli naval forces intercepted the vessels. The complainants allege that they were subjected to violence during the interception and detention, that their personal belongings were confiscated, and that they were held in degrading conditions. During Friday’s hearing, flotilla participants testified about alleged abuse by Israeli security personnel.
Defendants charged with torture, unlawful deprivation of liberty, causing injury, aggravated robbery
The Turkish indictment charges the defendants with serious offenses including torture, unlawful deprivation of liberty, causing injury, and aggravated robbery. It is important to note that these allegations have not yet been proven in court.
The list of defendants includes not only the prime minister, ministers, and military officers, but also a journalist, a rabbi, a social media influencer, and other individuals whose specific roles are not publicly specified.
The outstanding arrest warrants predate the trial itself. In August, Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced that Turkey had initiated procedures to seek Interpol Red Notices against Netanyahu and other defendants. It is worth noting that such a notice, even if issued, is not an international arrest warrant and does not automatically obligate Interpol member countries to make an arrest.
The Israeli defendants are being tried in absentia. The next hearing is currently scheduled for March 30, 2027.
