Authorities in Türkiye have arrested seven individuals suspected of operating as spies for Mossad, the Israeli state intelligence agency. This announcement was first made by the state-run media platform Anadolu, according to which an investigation led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office revealed these individuals supplied Mossad with information through private detectives.
Anadolu’s report delved into the tactics employed by Mossad, which allegedly involve collecting biographical information, reconnaissance, investigation, photo-video documentation, live tracking, and placing tracking devices against its targets.
This recent round of arrests follows a similar event in January, when Türkiye detained 15 suspects on similar charges. As per Justice Minister Yerlikaya, these individuals were in collaboration with the Israeli Intelligence Service to “discover, assault, kidnap” foreign nationals residing in Turkey.
These incidents add to the ongoing tension between Türkiye and Israel, particularly due to the current state of conflict in Gaza and Israel. The relationship, which has seen numerous efforts aimed at rebuilding ties, has been strained by various events, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s criticism of Israel’s conduct during the Gaza war and a leaked recording suggesting approval from Israel’s spy chief of targeted eliminations of Hamas fighters globally.
Erdogan’s stance was further emphasized after the Hamas’ deadly October 7 attack on Israel, when he declared that “Hamas is not a terrorist organization.”