On the 21st, Turkish Justice Minister Gülerek posted on social media stating that, as part of judicial proceedings against Israel's armed intervention in humanitarian aid shipments to Gaza, Turkey has sought an Interpol 'red notice' for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and others.
In his post, he said that arrest warrants for Netanyahu and others on suspicion of 'genocide' were issued by a Turkish court in July. Afterwards, the Turkish Ministry of Justice asked the Ministry of Interior to pursue a 'red notice' against Netanyahu and others, to facilitate their international pursuit. The relevant materials have now been handed over to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Criticism of Turkey as 'hypocritical'
In response, Netanyahu's office issued a statement pointing out that Israel 'scoffs at Turkey's hypocrisy.'
The statement said: 'Erdogan is an anti-Semitic dictator. He massacres Kurds, supports Hamas's acts of slaughter, and oppresses his own people.'
Israel noted it would 'continue to take tough action against Turkey's attempts to undermine regional stability.'
This clearly refers to previous accusations regarding Turkey's intention to establish a military presence in Syria.
Turkey quickly hit back. The office of President Erdogan released a statement saying that the Israeli statement was 'absurd nonsense' and that Netanyahu's government was 'trying to evade responsibility.'
The statement also mentioned Netanyahu's upcoming election (with his hold on power being precarious), saying: 'Such cheap political ploys by Netanyahu and his cohorts, aimed at gaining electoral advantage, are utterly meaningless.'
A 'red notice' is issued by Interpol at the request of a member country, and must comply with Interpol's constitution and rules. It can simultaneously notify police in all member countries of the relevant information about an internationally wanted fugitive but does not have binding force. Each member state decides for itself the legal effect of a 'red notice' and its own law enforcement’s powers of arrest. Both Turkey and Israel are members of the organization.