Investigation launched after gunfire near Israeli Consulate in Istanbul

An investigation has been launched after reports of gunfire near the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul's Besiktas district, Türkiye's justice minister said on Tuesday. Akin Gurlek said on NSosyal that the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office "immediately initiated an investigation" into the incident, assigning a deputy chief prosecutor and two prosecutors to the case.

On-site examination

He said prosecutors swiftly arrived at the scene and began on-site examinations, adding that the probe is being carried out "meticulously and in a multi-faceted manner" in coordination with law enforcement units. The Israeli consulate building is not operational, while initial findings indicate that the attack targeted Turkish police officers deployed in the area. Efforts are ongoing to fully clarify the circumstances of the incident, Gurlek added.

Regional context

The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions following the US-Israeli war on Iran, now in its sixth week. Turkish authorities have maintained high security around diplomatic missions, particularly those of Israel, since the conflict began on Feb. 28.

Security posture

Türkiye has maintained a policy of de-escalation throughout the Iran war, with President Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Fidan engaging in intensive diplomatic efforts to mediate an end to the conflict. The investigation into the consulate incident will determine whether it was connected to the broader regional tensions or an isolated criminal act.