Turkey and Israel Face New Diplomatic Crisis After Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu
Table of Contents
Turkey and Israel are once again facing a serious diplomatic confrontation after a Turkish court issued an international arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several top military officials. The court in Ankara accused them of war crimes in Gaza, following Israel’s recent military operations that caused heavy civilian casualties. The move has drawn global attention and raised tensions in the already fragile Middle East.
The Turkish government insists that the decision is based on justice, not politics. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that Turkey “cannot remain silent” about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Ankara has also requested Interpol’s support to process the warrant, although experts say it is unlikely to be enforced since Netanyahu is still in office and protected by state immunity.
Israel reacted strongly, condemning the decision and calling Erdoğan a “tyrant using law for political attacks.” The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled its ambassador from Ankara and summoned the Turkish ambassador in Tel Aviv for explanations. Israeli officials said Turkey’s actions could permanently damage diplomatic relations between the two nations.
This dispute deepens a long-running tension between Turkey and Israel. Relations between the two countries have been unstable since the Mavi Marmara incident in 2010, when Israeli forces raided a Turkish aid ship bound for Gaza. Although ties improved in recent years through energy and trade cooperation, the new arrest warrant threatens to undo that progress and push the two countries further apart.
Reactions from the international community have been mixed. Arab countries and pro-Palestinian organizations praised Turkey for taking a bold legal stance against Israel. However, the United States and the European Union warned that the move could worsen regional instability and undermine ongoing peace efforts. Western diplomats have urged both sides to avoid escalating tensions.
Inside Turkey, Erdoğan’s move has strengthened his image as a defender of the Muslim world and a strong supporter of Palestine. Thousands of Turkish citizens held rallies in major cities to show solidarity with Gaza. Meanwhile, opposition parties accused Erdoğan of using foreign policy to distract the public from the country’s economic troubles, including inflation and unemployment.
Overall, the Turkey–Israel diplomatic crisis of November 2025 marks a new turning point in Middle Eastern politics. By issuing a legal order against Netanyahu, Turkey has transformed the Gaza conflict from a battlefield issue into a global legal and diplomatic challenge. Whether this action will bring justice or deepen division remains one of the most pressing questions for the international community.