Turkey issues ‘Genocide’ arrest warrants against Netanyahu and other Israeli officials

 Turkey has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and dozens of other Israeli officials on charges of “genocide” and “crimes against humanity.” The warrants, issued by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutors Office on Friday, November 7, target 37 people in total. Besides Netanyahu, the list includes high-ranking officials such as Israels Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and military chief Eyal Zamir. The charges stem from actions in Gaza and against the flotilla carrying aid to the enclave, which was intercepted by Israeli authorities last month.Israel was quick to condemn and reject the warrants. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar immediately dismissed the move as a PR stunt orchestrated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Saar criticized the Turkish judicial system, stating that it has long since become a tool for silencing political rivals and detaining journalists, judges, and mayors, referencing the earlier arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.In contrast, the Palestinian militant group Hamas welcomed the warrants, stating the action confirms the noble positions of the Turkish people and its leadership.The Turkish warrants raise significant questions about the potential role Turkey will play in a multinational security force for Gaza, a measure intended to uphold the recently brokered U.S.-backed ceasefire deal. Earlier this week, several Muslim-majority nations met in Istanbul to discuss an International Stabilization Force (ISF) for Gaza, which is a key part of U.S. President Donald Trumps peace plan. The temporary force is envisioned to train a new Palestinian police force and help stabilize the enclave.  U.S. officials have previously cited Turkey as a potential participant, given its important role in securing Hamass agreement to a ceasefire. Despite this, Israel has made it explicitly clear that it is against Turkish troops being stationed in Gaza. U.S. Vice President JD Vance has emphasized that Israel will ultimately have to consent to the presence of any foreign troops in the territory. The Turkish warrants come nearly a year after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for the Israeli leader, also accusing him of war crimes, a warrant which the prime ministers office similarly dismissed as “absurd and antisemitic.” The post Turkey issues Genocide arrest warrants against Netanyahu and other Israeli officials appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.