In a recent development, Turkish authorities have detained 33 individuals on suspicion of engaging in espionage activities on behalf of Israel’s foreign intelligence service, Mossad. The arrests followed simultaneous raids across 57 addresses in eight provinces. The suspects are alleged to have been involved in activities such as reconnaissance, surveillance, assault, and abduction on behalf of Mossad, according to security sources.
The Istanbul prosecutor’s office’s Terrorism and Organised Crimes Investigation Bureau is conducting an investigation focused on espionage. While the report did not provide detailed information about the suspects or the foreigners targeted, search operations for the remaining 13 suspects are underway.
This move comes weeks after the head of Israel’s domestic security agency, Shin Bet, expressed readiness to take action against Hamas in various locations, including Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a warning of “serious consequences” if Israel proceeds with its threat to attack Hamas officials on Turkish soil.
Background on Israel-Turkey Relations
In 2022, Turkey and Israel were moving towards normalizing ties and resumed diplomatic relations. However, this detente deteriorated during the Israel-Hamas war, with Turkey strongly criticizing Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Israel initially withdrew its diplomats from Turkey over security concerns, later recalling them for political reasons citing “increasingly harsh statements” from Turkish officials. Turkey reciprocated by pulling its ambassador from Israel.
The tension escalated further as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to Erdogan’s remarks, accusing him of committing genocide against Kurds and imprisoning journalists opposing his regime. Netanyahu defended the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as the “most moral army” and emphasized their fight against “Hamas-ISIS,” which Erdogan had praised and whose leaders he hosts.
This latest espionage-related incident adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relationship between Turkey and Israel, further highlighting the geopolitical challenges in the region.
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