Tensions rise between Israel and Turkey as Netanyahu orders preparations for a case against Erdogan in The Hague

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed a group of ministers and senior officials to begin drafting a case against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

According to reporting by the Israeli news agency i24NEWS, the case will focus primarily on the treatment of Turkey’s Kurdish minority, as well as allegations that the Turkish government provides financial support to Hamas.

Netanyahu’s decision reportedly came in response to a statement by Erdoğan, who announced that he had appealed to Interpol to issue a “red notice” for the Israeli prime minister, accusing him of genocide.

Citing sources close to the Israeli government, i24NEWS reported that the initiative is part of a series of escalating steps being taken by both countries. Israel could refer the case directly to the court or ask another state to initiate the proceedings.

It is worth noting that Israel does not recognize the authority of the International Criminal Court, as it is not a member of the Rome Statute. Turkey has also not ratified the document.

Nevertheless, the aforementioned sources indicated that Israel’s primary aim is not to pursue the proceedings to their conclusion. Instead, the existence of such a case could serve as an instrument of pressure against Erdoğan and as a deterrent.

Neither the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office nor officials from Israel’s Ministry of Justice have commented on the report.