Israel prepares legal case against Erdogan at the International Criminal Court

On September 27, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an interministerial team and the Department of International Law to prepare a legal case against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the International Criminal Court (ICC). This decision follows an announcement by President Erdogan that he had petitioned Interpol to issue an international arrest warrant for the Israeli leader.

The case will focus on allegations regarding the Turkish government’s treatment of the Kurdish minority and its alleged financing of Hamas. According to reports from i24NEWS, these actions are considered part of a series of escalations between the two leaders. While Israel does not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC, as it is not a signatory to the Rome Statute—a position shared by Turkey—authorities are reportedly considering using a third country to initiate the legal proceedings.

As the situation develops, the Israeli government continues to build its legal arguments. The move underscores the heightening diplomatic tensions between Ankara and Jerusalem, though no formal filing has been submitted to the court at this stage.