Turkey opens trial of Netanyahu, 34 other Israelis over Gaza-bound Sumud flotilla interception

An Istanbul court on Friday opened the trial of 35 Israelis, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, over the Israeli Navy's interception of the Gaza-bound Sumud flotilla.Following the first hearing, the court ordered authorities to determine whether the defendants own assets in Turkey, upheld their arrest warrants, and called for consideration of legal proceedings against additional Israelis.The hearing 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, along with lawyers and representatives of Turkish organizations.

None of the Israeli defendants were present.

The court directed authorities to check whether the 35 defendants own real estate or other property in Turkey. There were no reports that assets had been frozen or property seizure orders issued.

The court also upheld decisions related to requests for Interpol Red Notices. However, there is no confirmation that Interpol itself has issued such notices against the defendants.Court asks to file separate indictment for alleged Israeli actions against Gazan civiliansIn a separate ruling, the court asked the Istanbul prosecutor's office to consider filing a new indictment detailing alleged Israeli actions against Gaza's civilian population beyond the flotilla interception.

The judges said the current indictment focuses on the flotilla incident and addresses allegations concerning events in Gaza only in general and indirect terms.

The court also ordered authorities to identify additional people mentioned in the complainants' testimony and consider bringing proceedings against them. These include individuals whom the complainants accused of mistreating them while they were held in Israel. The court also requested 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.

They allege that they were subjected to violence during the interception and detention, that their belongings were taken, and that they were held in degrading conditions. At Friday's hearing, flotilla participants testified about alleged abuse by Israeli security personnel.Defendants charged with torture, unlawful deprivation of liberty, causing injury, aggravated robberyThe Turkish indictment charges the defendants with offenses including torture, unlawful deprivation of liberty, causing injury, and aggravated robbery.

The allegations have not 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 individuals whose roles are not specified.

The arrest warrants predate the trial. In August, Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced that Turkey had begun procedures to seek Interpol Red Notices against Netanyahu and other defendants. Such a notice, if issued, is not an international arrest warrant and does not automatically require Interpol member countries to make an arrest.

The Israeli defendants are being tried in absentia. The next hearing is scheduled for March 30, 2027.