Turkish Authorities Arrest Seven for Alleged Espionage for Mossad
Date: February 3, 2024
ISTANBUL – The suspects are believed to have engaged in activities such as monitoring and photographing local targets, placing tracking devices on them, and gathering other pertinent information for Mossad, as reported by the state broadcaster TRT, citing unnamed security sources.
Ankara has previously warned Israel of “serious consequences” if it attempts to pursue members of the Palestinian group Hamas living outside Palestinian territories, including in Turkey. The head of Israel’s domestic Shin Bet security agency had declared in December that they were prepared to target Hamas anywhere, including in Lebanon, Turkey, and Qatar.
According to TRT, MIT had determined that Mossad was employing private detectives to surveil its targets, and Mossad is alleged to have recruited Palestinian and Syrian nationals in Turkey for operations against foreigners residing in the country.
Unlike its Western allies, Turkey does not classify Hamas as a “terrorist” organization. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has consistently criticized Israel for its actions in Gaza and Western countries for supporting Tel Aviv’s campaign.
This comes after last month’s detention of 34 people by Turkish police on suspicion of spying for Israel. They were accused of planning activities, including surveillance and actions like “pursuing, assaulting, and kidnapping” foreign nationals residing in Turkey. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc had stated that most of the suspects were charged with committing “political or military espionage” on behalf of Israeli intelligence.
Following the recent arrests on January 2, Anadolu cited a prosecution document stating that the operation targeted “Palestinian nationals and their families… within the scope of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” The situation adds to the tensions between Turkey and Israel as allegations of espionage continue to surface.
Seven Arrested in Turkey for Alleged Mossad Links
Turkish security forces have apprehended seven individuals on suspicion of passing information to Israel’s Mossad intelligence service, according to unnamed officials. The arrests were made following a joint operation by police and Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) in Istanbul and the western city of Izmir.
A month ago, 34 people with suspected Mossad connections were charged with espionage in Turkey. Turkey’s President has issued a warning to Israel, emphasizing “serious consequences” if it targets Hamas members on Turkish soil. Unlike many Western countries and some Arab states, Turkey does not designate Hamas as a terrorist organization.
Media reports, citing unnamed officials, state that MIT discovered Mossad’s use of private detectives to monitor, photograph, and track suspected Hamas members. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc previously announced that the 34 detainees from January were charged with “political or military espionage” on behalf of Israeli intelligence. Mossad is believed to have recruited Palestinians and Syrian nationals living in Turkey for its operations.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has engaged in an increasingly tense verbal exchange with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since the conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted. Erdogan has condemned Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” and, in a recent comparison, likened him to Hitler.
Israeli intelligence officials have asserted their intention to target Hamas beyond the Palestinian territories, including in Lebanon, Qatar, and Turkey. Israel initiated its conflict against the Islamist group after Hamas fighters crossed into Israel on October 7, carrying out a series of deadly attacks that resulted in approximately 1,300 casualties. Some 250 individuals were taken as hostages, with 105 released during a truce in November. Ankara has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the recent arrests.