Turkey denies role in alleged plot to kill Israeli minister Ben-Gvir
Turkey denies role in alleged plot to kill Israeli minister Ben-Gvir
Turkey has denied any involvement in an alleged plot to assassinate Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, calling the claims a “disinformation campaign".
In a statement, the Turkish Presidency’s Centre for Countering Disinformation said the allegations were “fed to the Israeli media” as if they were recent, when in fact the incidents took place eight months ago.
On Wednesday, Israel’s Shin Bet security agency announced that four suspects had been arrested in connection with the plot. Investigators said the group planned to carry out an attack during the upcoming Jewish holiday season, when they believed Ben Gvir would be attending prayers.
According to a report by Ynet, one of the suspects had moved to Turkey several years ago, where he came into contact with Hamas members. “During the war in Gaza, he allegedly devised the plan to assassinate Ben Gvir using armed drones,” the report said.
The suspects reportedly received around $2,000 from contacts in Turkey to purchase drones and other equipment. Police told Ynet the group bought two DJI drones, attached explosives, and conducted a successful test drop.
The reports suggested that the plot was coordinated with Hamas leadership based in Turkey. However, Turkish officials have consistently maintained that Ankara hosts only the political leadership of Hamas and does not provide military support to the group.
Citing Israeli sources, Ynet reported that Turkey restricts Hamas members to stay no more than three months per visit. A Hamas source told the outlet that Ankara enforces specific rules on Hamas members, warning that violations could result in deportation.
As part of the 2011 prisoner exchange that freed Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, Israel deported dozens of Hamas members.
While some were sent to Gaza or the occupied West Bank, others were relocated abroad, including to Turkey
The Turkish Centre for Countering Disinformation argued that the leaks targeting Turkey were an attempt to undermine Ankara’s policies on Palestine.
Tensions between Turkey and Israel have escalated in recent months. Turkey ended trade with Israel last year and last month called on states to suspend Israel's membership to the UN General Assembly over its genocide in Gaza.
Turkey recently imposed additional restrictions on Israeli-owned and affiliated vessels, barring them from docking at Turkish ports.
These shipping measures follow Ankara’s announcement last month of six sanctions against Israel, in line with The Hague Group’s joint statement from the Emergency Conference on Palestine in Bogota.
Last year Turkey joined South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide.
Since then, Ankara has increasingly used international platforms to build an alliance against Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
