ISTANBUL: Turkey has announced the detention of 33 persons suspected of planning abductions and spying on behalf of Israel’s Mossad intelligence service. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya revealed that the suspects were apprehended in raids conducted across eight provinces in and around Istanbul.
The detained persons’ nationalities remain unclear, leaving questions about whether they are Israeli nationals or locals allegedly collaborating with Mossad. Interior Minister Yerlikaya emphasized Turkey’s commitment to preventing espionage activities that may threaten the national unity and solidarity of the country.
Video footage released by Yerlikaya’s office showcased armed security service agents conducting raids, breaking down doors, and handcuffing suspects in their homes. The Istanbul public prosecutor’s office reported that an additional 13 suspects are still at large.
Tensions Between Turkey and Israel
Tensions between Turkey and Israel escalated following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war almost three months ago. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Last week, Erdogan likened Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler and called on Israel’s Western allies to withdraw their support for what he labeled as “terrorism” carried out by Israeli troops.
In response to the strained relations, Erdogan recalled Ankara’s envoy to Tel Aviv and advocated for the trial of Israeli commanders and political leaders at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. A massive anti-Israel rally in Istanbul, led by Erdogan’s ruling Islamic conservative party AKP, marked one of Turkey’s largest protests during the ongoing conflict.
The Turkish MIT intelligence service has a history of periodic raids against suspected Israeli operatives in major cities like Ankara and Istanbul. Most allegations involve surveillance on Palestinians residing in Turkey.
