Current:Home > MyTurkey detains 33 people suspected of spying on behalf of Israel-InfoLens
Turkey detains 33 people suspected of spying on behalf of Israel
View Date:2024-12-23 16:00:48
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish authorities have detained 33 people suspected of spying on behalf of Israel, Turkey’s state-run news agency reported on Tuesday.
Authorities were still searching for 13 other people believed to have links to Israel’s Mossad security service, the Anadolu Agency reported.
The suspects were detained in raids in Istanbul and seven other provinces for allegedly planning to carry out activities that included “reconnaissance” and “pursuing, assaulting and kidnapping” foreign nationals living in Turkey, the agency reported.
Anadolu did not provide information on the suspects or the foreigners who were allegedly targeted. The report comes weeks after the head of Israel’s domestic security agency, Shin Bet, said in an audio recording that his organization is prepared to destroy Hamas “in every place,” including in Lebanon, Turkey and Qatar.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Israel of “serious consequences” if it pressed ahead with its threat to attack Hamas officials on Turkish soil.
Turkey and Israel had normalized ties in 2022 by reappointing ambassadors following years of tensions. But those ties quickly deteriorated after the Israel-Hamas war, with Ankara becoming one of the strongest critics of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Israel initially withdrew its diplomats from Turkey over security concerns and later announced it was recalling its diplomats for political reasons, citing “increasingly harsh statements” from Turkish officials. Turkey also pulled out its ambassador from Israel.
Erdogan’s reaction to the Israel-Hamas war was initially fairly muted. But the Turkish leader has since intensified his criticism of Israel, describing its actions in Gaza as verging on “genocide.” He has called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be prosecuted for “war crimes” and compared him to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.
Erdogan, whose government has hosted several Hamas officials in the past, has also said the militant group — considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States and the European Union — is fighting for the liberation of its lands and people.
veryGood! (19)
Related
- Knicks Player Ogugua Anunoby Nearly Crashes Into Anne Hathaway and Her Son During NBA Game
- Hall of Famer Joe Schmidt, who helped Detroit Lions win 2 NFL titles, dies at 92
- Chanel West Coast Details Daughter Bowie's Terrible 2s During VMAs Date Night With Dom Fenison
- Kentucky authorities still hunting suspect in I-75 shooting that injured 5
- 4 arrested in California car insurance scam: 'Clearly a human in a bear suit'
- Watch Army veteran literally jump for joy over this surprise gift from his wife
- The Trainers at Taylor Swift’s Gym Dogpound Offer Up This Hard AF Workout…Are You Ready For It?
- Utah man accused of murdering deputy daughter, texting brother he 'made a big mistake'
- The state that cleared the way for sports gambling now may ban ‘prop’ bets on college athletes
- How many VMAs did Taylor Swift win last night? See the singer's full, record-breaking haul
Ranking
- Nicole Scherzinger receives support from 'The View' hosts after election post controversy
- Kids arrested, schools closed amid wave of threats after Georgia shooting
- Boeing factory workers are voting whether to strike and shut down aircraft production
- MLB playoff picture: Wild card standings, 2024 division standings
- Statue of the late US Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights icon, is unveiled in his native Alabama
- Tyreek Hill police incident: What happened during traffic stop according to body cam
- Tyreek Hill says he could have handled his traffic stop better but he still wants the officer fired
- Bridge Fire explodes in size, prompts evacuations and burns homes in SoCal
Recommendation
-
Craig Melvin replacing Hoda Kotb as 'Today' show co-anchor with Savannah Guthrie
-
Alicia Silverstone says toilet paper carries 'risk of cancer.' What's the truth about PFAS?
-
WNBA players deserve better, from fans and their commissioner
-
The Most Magical Disney Park Outfit Ideas to Wear to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2024
-
Man who stole and laundered roughly $1B in bitcoin is sentenced to 5 years in prison
-
Brutally honest reviews of every VMAs performer, including Chappell Roan and Katy Perry
-
A Colorado man is charged with arson in a wildfire that destroyed 26 homes
-
Justin Timberlake Strikes Plea Deal in DWI Case